NEW YORK — President Donald Trump announced plans Sunday to direct federal agencies to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the infamous prison located on an isolated island near San Francisco. The facility has remained closed for over six decades, having been shuttered in 1963 due to deteriorating infrastructure and high maintenance costs.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed frustration with what he described as a rising tide of violent crime and a system that he believes has softened its approach to habitual offenders. He stated that, in the past, there was a commitment to safely detain the most dangerous criminals away from society, and he aims to restore that practice.
To realize this vision, Trump is calling on the Bureau of Prisons, in coordination with the Department of Justice, the FBI, and Homeland Security, to undertake the ambitious project of renovating and enlarging the former prison. Experts warn, however, that the financial and logistical implications of such a venture could be significant. The island’s remoteness requires all supplies, from food to fuel, to be transported by boat, a factor that complicates operational costs.
Alcatraz, often referred to as “The Rock,” is steeped in history as it once housed notorious figures like mobster Al Capone and criminal mastermind George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Its reputation as an inescapable fortress was bolstered by strong ocean currents and frigid waters surrounding the island. During its operational years, 36 escape attempts occurred, but nearly all were thwarted, with the fate of some inmates remaining a mystery, a tale popularized by films such as “Escape from Alcatraz.”
The former prison now serves as a historical monument and a major tourist draw, managed by the National Park Service. As a result, the feasibility of reopening the facility has been met with skepticism, especially from politicians like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who emphasized the site’s current role as a national park and questioned the seriousness of Trump’s proposal.
Despite the challenges, Trump’s directive reflects his broader agenda to reform the federal correctional system amidst ongoing tensions with judicial processes regarding immigration and incarceration. His administration has been at odds with court rulings, particularly concerning the deportation of gang members and the treatment of federal suspects.
In recent years, the Bureau of Prisons has faced scrutiny over various crises, including widespread reports of misconduct following high-profile incidents such as the death of Jeffrey Epstein in federal custody. An investigation revealed troubling patterns of violence, employee misconduct, and inadequate staffing. In response, Congress has moved to implement stronger oversight.
As the Bureau navigates internal changes and a shifting mission, including the handling of immigration detainees, the future of federal prisons hangs in the balance. Although Trump’s announcement raises questions about the practicality of revitalizing Alcatraz, it reflects a determination to project a tough-on-crime stance amidst calls for sweeping corrections reform.