Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Lawmakers Denounce Plan to Transfer GITMO Detainees to U.S. Soil

The Major County Sheriff's Association sent a letter to the president to express their opposition to the plan. The letter states, "Detainees, deemed too dangerous to release, should not be brought to the homeland where they will pose a threat to the local communities we serve."

May 3, 2016
2 min to read


On Thursday, the House Committee on Homeland Security's Oversight and Management Efficiency Subcommittee held a hearing to examine state and local perspectives on the impact of transferring Guantanamo detainees to the homeland following the release of the Administration's February 2016 plan to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, reports Homeland Security Today.

Under the plan, some detainees will be transferred to U.S. soil. Specific locations have not been identified.

Ad Loading...

As Homeland Security Today previously reported, President Obama said leaving the facility open is "contrary to the nation's values" and "undermines our standing in the world. However, the move faces major opposition from state and local officials concerned about their communities becoming terrorist targets.

Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Chairman of the Subcommittee, strongly denounced the plan. Perry explained that the Obama Administration has not consulted with state and local law enforcement in making the decision to move the detainees to U.S. facilities.

Last month, the Major County Sheriff's Association sent a letter to the president to express their opposition to the plan. The letter states, "Detainees, deemed too dangerous to release, should not be brought to the homeland where they will pose a threat to the local communities we serve."

Perry noted that although the president touts the millions of dollars that could be saved by closing the facility, cash-strapped states and localities will be the ones footing the bill for the enhanced security measures necessary to protect their communities.

"Consider the propaganda value for ISIS if it successfully sprang a hardened Gitmo terrorist on American soil," Perry said. "Anyone who thinks this is impossible is suffering from, as the 9/11 Commission put it, 'a failure of imagination.'"

More Patrol

Graphic titled “5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights” featuring a compact Streamlight flashlight attached to tactical gear. Police Law Enforcement Solutions branding appears in the lower corner against a dark, dramatic background.
PatrolMay 21, 2026

5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use

What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.

Read More →
graphic honoring fallen law enforcement officers featuring a uniformed officer holding a folded American flag, with bold text reading “2026 Roll Call of Heroes” and “363 Fallen Officers Honored,” alongside the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund logo.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week

In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.

Read More →
Graphic honoring New York City Police Department officers as “Officer of the Month” for March 2026. The image features portraits of Chief Aaron Edwards and Sergeant Luis Navarro alongside department and recognition text.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month

Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Infographic summarizing results from a national survey on policing reputation. Ten key findings cover public trust, communication, demographics, media influence, local policing, AI concerns, and emergency response, using charts, icons, and statistics throughout.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today

A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.

Read More →
Product image of a Streamlight TLR-7 X tactical flashlight on a dark background. The compact black weapon-mounted light is shown in close-up beneath the Streamlight logo, highlighting its lens, controls, and mounting hardware.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police

The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.

Read More →
poeple dressed in dark clothing holding candles during a candlelight vigil.
PatrolMay 8, 2026

Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Black small medical bag with supplies and a tourniquet at right on a wood table and a large headline at left What Should Be In Your IFAK?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamMay 1, 2026

What Should Be in Your IFAK?

What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.

Read More →
flashlight turn un and submerged in puddle with rain falling.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black

Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.

Read More →
Black tactical helmet with bright explosion behind it to the left, Team Wendy logo top right, and headline Recon Tactical Bump Helmet
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet

Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Black military style leather boot against a blue cobblestone background with a white Garmont Tactical logo.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals

Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.

Read More →