SPRINGFIELD, IL –Senator Mike Jacobs (D – Moline) said he is in favor of the federal government’s purchase of the Thomson Correctional Center in Northwestern Illinois. President Obama has long stated his goal of closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay and has taken steps to shut down the facility permanently.

“I agree with the Obama administration,” Jacobs said. “This is a hard time in Illinois and everywhere in the country. People are having difficulties finding work and the opening of this facility will bring a boost to our local economies. By opening this facility, the Obama Administration is opening the door to hundreds of jobs. Not only facility jobs, but businesses all over the region will see revenue increases as a result.”

President Obama stated shortly after his inauguration that he had plans of closing the facility at Guantanamo Bay and relocating the detainees.

“It is important to clear up rumors and misconceptions,” Jacobs said. “No detainees transferred from Guantanamo to the United States will be released domestically. President Obama signed two laws earlier this year that would prevent that from ever happening. It is also important to note that 35 inmates with a link to or history of international or domestic terrorism are currently housed in the federal prison in Marion, Illinois, and others are located throughout the country. These are maximum security facilities like Thomson.”

“I want to thank President Obama and his administration for considering our Illinois facility” Jacobs said. “This will be a great boost for the local economy. I look forward to its success.”