On Sunday, President Donald Trump announced his intention to direct federal agencies to “reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt Alcatraz” to house America’s most violent criminals. In a post on Truth Social, he expressed frustration with what he sees as a surge in violent crime and recidivism among “repeat Criminal Offenders,” suggesting that Alcatraz could serve as a modern solution. The historical Alcatraz Island, originally a military fortress and then a federal prison from 1934 until its closure in 1963, housed notorious inmates and was considered ideal for confining difficult criminals.
Trump’s remarks reflect his broader stance on immigration, hinting that Alcatraz might also accommodate undocumented immigrants amid legal battles over their deportation. He criticized the judicial processes that prevent swift action against individuals illegally in the country, labeling judges as “radicalized.” This commentary follows his earlier actions to deport alleged gang members to El Salvador, which faced legal challenges.
The operational feasibility of reopening Alcatraz raises concerns. The Bureau of Prisons noted that maintaining and restoring the facility would require millions of dollars, and Alcatraz’s isolation had made it costly to operate compared to other facilities, contributing to its closure. Currently, the Bureau manages over 156,000 inmates across various institutions and has faced budget constraints leading to potential facility closures.
Local officials, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s team, dismissed Trump’s proposal as unserious and a distraction, highlighting Alcatraz’s status as a significant national park and tourist destination visited by over one million people annually.
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