February 10, 2009 – Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) today introduced legislation that would prohibit the relocation of Guantanamo inmates to Arizona prisons. 

“The legislation I introduced today would prohibit the use of federal funds for relocating Gitmo detainees to the state of Arizona.” Franks stated. “Out of 70,000 Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters that have been captured on the battlefield, one-tenth of one percent, less than 800, were actually deemed such a significant threat, or possessing such highly valued intelligence, that they had to be detained to prevent them from causing or facilitating further harm to innocent civilians as well as our troops in the field. Out of these 800, only approximately 250 detainees remain incarcerated at Guantanamo. 

“Furthermore, at least 61 former Gitmo detainees have returned to terrorist activities.  There is even a documented case of a released detainee who had been fitted with a prosthetic leg during his time at Gitmo– and who was judged by the Annual Review Board process to be “no longer a danger to the U.S.”— later found back on the battlefield fighting against American and coalition forces.”

Guantanamo inmates enjoy more amenities than do our troops on the battlefield.  Upon arrival, they are provided a range of items including prayer mats, prayer beads, skull caps, and even arrows painted on the floors and pointing in the direction of Mecca.  More compliant detainees are given even more freedom, including even taking art classes and watching TV.  Nevertheless, detainees threaten, assault, and attack the guards at Guantanamo Bay at every opportunity; in fact, there are about 450 assaults a year at Gitmo, and well over half of these require medical attention.  The names of the guards and their families must always be concealed due to the fact that the detained terrorists threaten to torture and kill the guards’ families once they are released.   

“We must not endanger American lives and risk national security because liberals want to allow our most dangerous foreign enemies direct access to America's criminal court system.” Franks stated. 

Note: On January 22, 2009, President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order requiring the Guantanamo detention facility to be closed as soon as practicable, and no later than a year from the date of the Order.