Governor Walz Urges Closure of Guantanamo

August 6, 2024 – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, recently selected as Kamala Harris's vice presidential pick, has reignited the debate over the Guantanamo Bay prison camp. Walz advocates for closing the facility and relocating its detainees to U.S. holding facilities, positioning himself to the left of other Minnesota Democrats, including Senator Amy Klobuchar. He argues that the prison is a "serious obstacle to peace in the Middle East," a sentiment he has held since his time in Congress. During his tenure as a House member, Walz opposed a 2009 measure aimed at preventing the closure of Guantanamo and the relocation of its detainees to American cities. He believes that Minnesota's criminal justice system is equipped to manage the housing of these individuals, suggesting that the Federal Medical Center in Rochester could serve as a suitable location for their care. Walz's stance aligns him with some of Harris's campaign advisors, including former Attorney General Eric Holder, who previously attempted to transfer the trial of 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh-Mohammed from Guantanamo to New York. This effort faced significant backlash and was ultimately blocked by Congress. The Biden-Harris administration recently faced criticism for a plea deal involving Sheikh-Mohammed, which was later rescinded by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. In contrast, Senator Klobuchar has expressed strong opposition to bringing Guantanamo detainees to Minnesota, stating there is "no place" for them in the state. Critics, including Congressman Jim Hagedorn, have condemned Walz's proposal, questioning the implications of relocating such individuals to local communities.