CHICAGO (AP) -- U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says if a prison in northwest Illinois is used to house Guantanamo Bay detainees it would be the safest prison in America.
Durbin says he spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano (neh-pahl-ih-TAN'-oh) today. And Durbin says she reassured him that no prisoners would be transferred without a full review by the federal agency.
Durbin says federal officials would also construct another perimeter fence around the maximum security Thomson Correctional Center.
Durbin's comments come as several Republican leaders, including Congressman Mark Kirk, cite safety concerns over housing suspected terrorists Illinois.
Durbin and Gov. Pat Quinn are defending the proposal, saying it would be a life line to the economically depressed area.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
