By Han tt – May 4, 2025
Alcatraz Island, once home to notorious criminals like Al Capone and closed as a federal prison in 1963, may see new life under a controversial proposal by former President Donald Trump. Now a major national park and San Francisco tourist attraction, the infamous facility could be transformed back into a high-security prison.
In a Truth Social post on May 4, Trump announced that he has directed the Federal Bureau of Prisons to reopen and expand Alcatraz, saying it’s time to get tough on “vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenders.”
According to his statement, Trump wants multiple agencies—including the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security—to coordinate efforts to rebuild the island facility and convert it into a secure detention site for what he called America’s most dangerous individuals.
This proposal is part of a larger push to overhaul the federal prison and immigration systems. Trump also announced plans for a new detention center at Guantanamo Bay, capable of holding up to 30,000 “criminal aliens.” He criticized what he described as interference by “radical judges” in immigration enforcement and deportation efforts.
However, reopening Alcatraz wouldn’t be simple. The prison was originally shut down due to high maintenance costs and deteriorating infrastructure, and experts note that reviving it would require significant logistical and financial resources.
A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons acknowledged the announcement, stating the agency “will comply with all Presidential Orders” if officially issued.
Meanwhile, critics have quickly dismissed the idea. Democratic Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi called the proposal “not a serious one,” pointing out that Alcatraz is now a protected national park and a vital part of San Francisco’s tourism industry.
Whether this plan gains traction or fades as political theater remains to be seen, but the suggestion has already sparked strong reactions from both supporters and opponents.
