With headlines filled by violent offenses and swelling numbers of migrants crossing the border, former President Donald Trump has unveiled what he calls a no‑nonsense solution: “Rebuild and open Alcatraz.”
His announcement, made on Truth Social, is part of a broader push to toughen America’s approach to criminals and undocumented arrivals.
Trump’s Vision: Alcatraz as a Beacon of “Law, Order, and JUSTICE”
In his post, Trump directed the Bureau of Prisons, Justice Department, FBI, and Homeland Security to collaborate on reopening a “substantially enlarged and rebuilt” Alcatraz Island prison.
He believes reviving the infamous penitentiary—once home to Al Capone—will send a clear message that the U.S. won’t tolerate “the dregs of society” who spread “misery and suffering.”
Dodging Court Roadblocks with a Historic Detention Hub
Locked in battles with judges over mass deportations of migrants suspected of gang ties, Trump is searching for workarounds.
His plan dovetails with orders to expand Guantanamo Bay’s detention capacity—up to 30,000 of the “worst criminal aliens,” he says—and even floated the idea of sending American citizens abroad when U.S. courts stand in the way of his deportation agenda.
Bringing Back “The Rock” Comes with a Hefty Price Tag
Alcatraz closed in 1963 after 29 years as a maximum‑security prison, largely because it was island‑bound and alarmingly expensive to maintain.
In 1959, per‑prisoner operating costs hit $10.10 a day—more than triple the $3.00 at Atlanta’s federal facility—thanks to freighting in food, fuel, and nearly a million gallons of water each week.
Just restoring the site would require an estimated $3–5 million, not counting ongoing running costs.
From Closure to National Landmark
When Attorney General Robert Kennedy signed off on Alcatraz’s shutdown, its 1,576 remaining inmates were reassigned to other institutions.
The island earned a spot in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972, reopened as a museum in 1973, and today draws more than 1.5 million visitors annually—eager to tour the cells, mess hall, and even view the festive 1950 Christmas menu featuring roast turkey and whipped potatoes.
Ghosts of Daring Escapes and Prison Lore
Alcatraz’s legend was cemented in 1962 when Frank Morris and Clarence and John Anglin tunneled out, fooled guards with wax heads, and paddled into San Francisco Bay—never to be conclusively seen again.
Fourteen escape attempts involved 36 prisoners; 23 were recaptured, six were shot, two drowned, and five vanished without a trace.
What’s Next for America’s Most Notorious Prison?
A Bureau of Prisons spokesperson says the agency will “comply with all Presidential Orders,” but questions remain about cost, feasibility, and legal hurdles.
Could Alcatraz rise again as the ultimate punishment island? For now, Trump’s pledge has reignited debate over how best to safeguard communities while respecting due process—and whether reviving “The Rock” is practical or merely symbolic.