President Donald Trump put out a call on Sunday to not only reopen but also to substantially expand Alcatraz prison in San Francisco Bay, designating it for violent repeat offenders and criminal aliens. The directive, made via Truth Social, asks federal agencies to rebuild the facility as a symbol of law, order, and justice, despite its current status as a national park and major tourist destination.
“REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ! For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. No longer will we tolerate these Serial Offenders who spread filth, bloodshed, and mayhem on our streets.”
“That is why, today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house America’s most ruthless and violent Offenders,” he continued. “We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and Judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our Country illegally. The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
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Trump framed the initiative as a response to rising violent crime and judicial limitations on his proposed mass deportation efforts, suggesting Alcatraz could be used to detain illegal immigrants while activist judges continue to block his efforts to remove them from the country.
The proposal has drawn significant criticism from California officials and members of the Democratic Party, citing high costs, logistical difficulties, civil liberties concerns, and the potential loss of tourism revenue.
“Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction,” former House Speaker and current California congressional Rep. Nancy Pelosi said. “The President’s proposal is not a serious one.”
Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The President’s proposal is not a serious one. https://t.co/ALKXZLWlzO
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 5, 2025
Alcatraz, closed since 1963 due to exceptionally high operating costs, would reportedly require hundreds of millions of dollars to reopen and maintain each year.
“An estimated $3-5 million was needed just for restoration and maintenance work to keep the prison open. That figure did not include daily operating costs — Alcatraz was nearly three times more expensive to operate than any other Federal prison,” the Bureau of Prisons wrote of the penitentiary’s closing.
Experts and state lawmakers have questioned the feasibility and seriousness of the plan. So far, neither federal nor state authorities have taken steps to implement Trump’s directive.
Connor Walcott is the lead writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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