Former US President Donald Trump has announced plans to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the infamous prison located on a remote island in California, which has been closed for over 60 years. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed concern over what he described as a rise in violent crime by repeat offenders, whom he labelled as the "dregs of society." He invoked a time when serious measures were taken to isolate dangerous criminals, asserting that this should be the standard today.
Trump outlined his directive to the Bureau of Prisons, alongside the Department of Justice and other federal agencies, to facilitate the reopening of a significantly larger and modernised Alcatraz, designating it to house the nation’s most violent offenders. He stated that this move would reinforce a commitment to law, order, and justice.
Alcatraz, famously known as "The Rock," was notorious for being nearly impossible to escape due to harsh ocean currents. It housed some of America’s most dangerous criminals, including the notorious gangster Al Capone. Although it served as a prison for 29 years, it became a cultural legend, inspiring films such as Escape from Alcatraz and The Rock.
The prison was decommissioned in 1963, primarily due to deteriorating infrastructure and high operational costs, as all supplies had to be delivered by boat. Today, Alcatraz is a popular tourist destination managed by the National Park Service and recognised as a National Historic Landmark. Despite its closure, the FBI reported that 36 inmates attempted to escape during its operation, most of whom were captured or failed in their attempts.
A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons commented that they would adhere to all presidential directives, though they did not address inquiries about the feasibility of reopening Alcatraz, considering it falls under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. Currently, the Bureau operates 16 high-security facilities, including prominent prisons in Colorado and Indiana.
Trump’s announcement comes amid his ongoing conflicts with the judicial system, particularly regarding the handling of alleged gang members and his plans for detention facilities, including one at Guantanamo Bay. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Prisons is under scrutiny following critical reports about its management and operations, which have only intensified in the wake of high-profile incidents such as the death of Jeffrey Epstein. Investigations have revealed numerous issues within the system, including staff misconduct and violence, leading to calls for substantial reform.