Despite clear opposition from the American public, President Obama last week announced his decision to transfer terrorists currently held at Guantanamo Bay to Thompson Correctional Center located in Illinois.

Since 2002, Guantanamo Bay has helped keep America safe by holding some of the most malicious terrorists known to the world. Many of these detainees were instrumental in plotting attacks against American citizens, including the horrific attacks that changed America forever on Sept. 11.

With the president’s announcement, known terrorists will be moved to the heartland of our country to stand trial, granting them the rights provided by the very Constitution they sought to destroy.

I cannot comprehend how bringing these terrorist detainees into our backyards and giving them the same liberties as U.S. citizens will make any of us safer?

The American people deserve answers and a plan for a clear path forward.

This is why I am proud to support the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act. This legislation guarantees dangerous terrorists held at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility are kept off American soil and out of our courts.

We must continue to protect our nation and our communities from the world’s most dangerous terrorists. I hope the president puts the safety and security of our country first and reconsiders this decision.

Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, is a U.S. congressman who represents the 5th Congressional District. He can be reached at the Monroe District 318-322-3500, the Alexandria District Office 318-445-0818 or Washington, D.C. 202-225-8490. His mailing address is 316 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515.