Durbin pushes for capturing fugitives

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Updated: February 14, 2012 10:29AM

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is calling on judges to increase bail for suspected criminals who might be flight risks as a way to reduce the number of suspects fleeing the country.

At a news conference Thursday, the Illinois Democrat also said local and federal officials need to cooperate to apprehend suspected criminals who have fled the country. Durbin said federal officials have agreed to train local law enforcement on the extradition process.

Durbin’s comments follow a series of reports that revealed people suspected in Illinois of violent crimes are living openly in Mexico and other countries.