US President Donald Trump has announced plans to reopen and expand the infamous Alcatraz prison, situated on an island off the coast of California, to house the nation's most dangerous and violent offenders. In a statement shared on his social media platform, Trump revealed he had instructed multiple federal agencies, including the Bureau of Prisons, the FBI, the Department of Justice, and Homeland Security, to undertake the reopening of Alcatraz, with plans to enlarge and refurbish the facility significantly.
Trump expressed his belief that the country had long been struggling with violent and repeat offenders, who, he argued, would never contribute positively to society. Reflecting on past practices, he suggested that America had once been more determined to lock up dangerous criminals and keep them isolated from the public. He framed the reopening of Alcatraz as a symbol of a return to law and order, emphasising that such criminals should be kept far from society in a facility that once housed notorious figures like gangster Al Capone and criminal George "Machine Gun" Kelly.
Although Trump presented the idea as part of a broader push for stricter law enforcement, the proposal has been met with scepticism. Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the House and Democratic representative from California, dismissed the suggestion, stating that it was not a serious initiative. She pointed out that Alcatraz, which ceased operations as a federal penitentiary over 60 years ago, had been transformed into a popular tourist destination and national park. Pelosi's comments on social media reflected concerns that the proposal lacked practicality.
Alcatraz, often referred to as "The Rock," was known for being nearly inescapable due to the strong ocean currents and frigid waters surrounding it. During its time as a federal prison, it gained a notorious reputation as one of the most secure facilities in the United States. Between 1934 and 1963, 36 inmates attempted to escape, though almost all were caught or failed to survive the attempt. Despite its grim history, Alcatraz has become a beloved cultural landmark, frequently featured in films such as The Rock, starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage.
The closure of Alcatraz in 1963 was primarily due to its deteriorating infrastructure and the high cost of maintaining the facility. All supplies, including food and fuel, had to be transported by boat. Operating costs for the prison were significantly higher than those of other federal institutions, making it unsustainable. Today, the island is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and managed by the National Park Service, drawing millions of visitors annually.
The Bureau of Prisons currently operates several high-security facilities similar to Alcatraz, such as the ADX Florence in Colorado and the United States Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, which houses the federal death chamber. Critics argue that reopening a historic site like Alcatraz would be impractical and costly, particularly when modern facilities already perform the same function.
Trump's announcement of plans for Alcatraz comes amid ongoing legal battles, as he has previously pushed for the deportation of accused gang members to El Salvador's notorious prisons without due process. The president has also called for the establishment of a new detention centre at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to house thousands of foreign criminals. This move has raised concerns about due process and human rights.
