Congressman McCaul Cautions Secretary Napolitano on GITMO Detainee Release
February 25, 2009
AUSTIN – Two days after touring the terrorist detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX 10) cautioned Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, on the potential transfer of terrorist detainees into the United States.
“I hope this administration will give careful consideration and show grave caution in dealing with these individuals,” Rep. McCaul urged Secretary Napolitano during her testimony before the Homeland Security Committee on Capitol Hill. “I’m very concerned as a (former) federal prosecutor that some of these people could get into the U.S. and into the court system. Federal rules of evidence would allow them to get released because of relying on intelligence, or on confessions that would not come into evidence.”
“As you realize there are some difficult decisions with respect to the detainees,” responded Secretary Napolitano, who is part of a committee that is going through detainee records case by case as part of the procedure to shut down the facility.
President Obama signed Executive Orders January 22 requiring the detention center be closed within one year. At issue is where to house the 245 detainees, who are considered enemy combatants of war, are high value targets and the top leadership of al Qaeda and the Taliban. Many of them have direct ties to Osama bin Laden and the 9/11 attacks.
In light of the President’s actions, Congressman Michael McCaul has co-sponsored H.R. 630, the Enemy Combatant Detention Review Act, to prevent the relocation of any Guantanamo detainees to the United States.
Border Violence
Also during today’s hearing, Rep. McCaul asked for the Obama administration’s help to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. “The governor of my state just called today for 1,000 troops to be dispatched to the border. Violence has increased to over 5,000 deaths – more than Iraq and Afghanistan combined,” Rep. McCaul stated. “I hope you will consider… funding on our side for increased border patrol, ICE and sheriffs. They provide a vital role.”
Secretary Napolitano acknowledged the governor’s request, responding “Always, there is a balance we must strike. We do not want to militarize the border.”