Donald Trump has ordered the reopening of Alcatraz, the notorious island prison off San Francisco, to house violent repeat offenders and undocumented criminal migrants.
In a fiery Truth Social post, Trump described criminals as the ‘dregs of society”.
Additionallym he also vowed to return to an era of tough justice for serial offenders.
He wrote: 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,”
“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.” He added.
He directed the Bureau of Prisons and federal agencies to restore and expand Alcatraz.
The prison last held inmates in 1963 before closing due to high costs and structural decay.
Trump says dangerous criminals must be isolated from law-abiding citizens
The president claimed that America is being overrun by repeat criminals. He said they “spread filth, bloodshed, and mayhem on our streets” with little consequence.
He argued that past generations were tougher on crime and that “serious nations lock up the worst criminals far away from innocent people.”
Trump promised a “substantially enlarged and rebuilt Alcatraz’.
He also called it a symbol of “Law, Order, and JUSTICE” designed to restore national security and deter crime.
Reopening Alcatraz raises legal and logistical concerns.
While Trump’s order made headlines, reopening Alcatraz won’t be easy. The island is now a National Historic Landmark and popular tourist attraction managed by the National Park Service.
Alcatraz was originally closed due to rising maintenance costs and the challenge of transporting food, supplies, and staff to the remote, rocky island.
Officials must navigate federal preservation laws and local opposition.
Infrastructure issues also pose major challenges before inmates can return.
Alcatraz is famous for its notorious inmates, Hollywood films, and daring escape attempts.
Between 1934 and 1963, Alcatraz served as a high-security federal prison, housing infamous criminals like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.
Additionally, thhe facility was considered nearly inescapable.
It surrounded by frigid waters and strong currents that doomed most of the 36 prisoners who tried to flee.
The 1962 escape of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers remains a mystery. It inspired films like Escape from Alcatraz and The Rock, which helped build Alcatraz’s enduring mythos.
Trump expands crackdown on illegal immigration
Trump criticized judges who have blocked his deportation efforts. He claimed they enable gang members and undocumented criminals to remain freely in the United States.
He blasted District Judge Fernando Rodriguez—his own appointee—for blocking the use of the Alien Enemies Act to remove members of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.
Trump previously reopened Guantanamo Bay detention facilities, where criminal migrants have been relocated, and hinted at similar uses for a revived Alcatraz.
Trump’s son and political allies cheer revival of the island prison
Following his father’s order, Donald Trump Jr. endorsed reopening Alcatraz.
He called the proposal “a great idea” and suggesting it as an extension of the Guantanamo plan.
Additionally , right-wing media figures and political allies praised the move. They framed it as a bold stand for public safety, national security, and old-school discipline.
Critics, however, warned it risks violating civil liberties, criminal justice norms, and the preservation of historic federal landmarks.
