"Once again, the president is attempting to move forward without regard for the will of the American people, and he is putting our communities and neighborhoods at risk by doing so," said Sen. John Thune.

Sen. Mike Rounds, who visited the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in 2015, said the detention center's detainees could receive legal protections if transferred to the United States. He intends to continue working with fellow legislators to prevent Guantanamo Bay's closure.

Rounds also highlighted the cost to move forward with Obama's plan.

While Rounds said the relocation could cost more than $400 million, it is also expected to save the United States hundreds of millions in new construction to the detention center and lower annual operating expenses. According to the proposal, the Guantanamo Bay facility costs approximately $445 million annually to operate and would need about $225 million in new construction and other furnishings.

"For many years, it's been clear that the detention center at Guantanamo Bay does not advance our national security, it undermines it," Obama said.

The plan offers 13 potential sites to hold the remaining detainees of a facility, which once held more than 800, but those sites are not mentioned by name. By moving the remaining detainees to the alternate facilities, it's estimated the U.S. could save $65 million to $85 million annually. The plan would also return some recommended detainees to other countries.

Despite the figures offered by the White House, Rounds said authorities do not want Guantanamo detainees on American soil.

"Law enforcement officials across the nation have spoken against bringing them into their communities," Rounds said.

South Dakota Rep. Kristi Noem agreed with Rounds, and said Obama has no authority close the Guantanamo detention facility.

"The mastermind behind September 11 and the terrorists who have sought to destroy our nation, our people and our values deserve no presence on our soil," Noem said.