On Sunday, President Trump announced plans to reopen the Alcatraz federal prison located near San Francisco, a facility that has been closed for over 60 years.
He expressed concerns about the prevalence of severe criminal activity, stating, “For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, repeated criminals, criminal offenders and society’s defeat, and they contribute nothing but misery and suffering.” He shared this perspective in a post on social media.
Trump emphasized a new approach, saying, “We no longer tolerate these serial criminals who spread filth, bloodshed, and mayhem on our streets.” He mentioned that efforts were underway to significantly expand the capacities of the prisons, alongside collaboration with the FBI and Homeland Security.
The island, situated less than two miles offshore, was originally developed in the mid-1800s and features historical structures, including a lighthouse.
Alcatraz famously housed notorious criminals like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly between its opening in 1934 and its closure in 1963. The National Park Service currently manages the site and describes the prison as a reflection of its era.
In his social media update, Trump stated that Alcatraz’s revival would symbolize law, order, and justice, remarking, “We’re going to make America great again!”
The Prison Bureau notes that Alcatraz was shut down after 29 years due to rising operational costs, which were estimated to reach between $30,000 and $5 million for maintenance alone, excluding daily expenses. This made it significantly more expensive to operate than other federal prisons.
