Donald Trump has boldly declared plans to “reopen a massively expanded and modernized ALCATRAZ,” vowing to turn the infamous island prison into the new home for “America’s most ruthless and violent offenders.”
In a fiery post on Truth Social Sunday evening, Donald Trump announced his directive to reopen a “substantially enlarged and rebuilt” Alcatraz, vowing to once again isolate America’s most dangerous criminals on the infamous island prison.
“For too long, America has been tormented by vicious, violent, repeat offenders—the dregs of society—who bring nothing but misery and suffering,” Trump wrote.
“When we were a serious nation, we didn’t hesitate to lock up the worst of the worst and keep them far from law-abiding citizens. That’s how it’s supposed to be.”
He continued: “That’s why today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, in coordination with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen and expand Alcatraz—to house the most ruthless and violent criminals in America.”
Trump Orders Alcatraz Reopening, Vowing to Lock Up ‘America’s Most Ruthless Offenders’
In a dramatic announcement Sunday evening, former President Donald Trump revealed plans to resurrect one of America’s most infamous prisons: Alcatraz. Declaring war on what he calls “the dregs of society,” Trump said the rebuilt island facility would house the nation’s most violent and unrepentant criminals.
Posting to Truth Social, Trump wrote, “For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders… who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering.” He went on to say, “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.”
The move, Trump said, was driven by growing frustration with “radicalized judges” who, in his view, prioritize due process for deported criminals over national security. “When we were a more serious Nation, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals and keep them far away from anyone they could harm.”
Speaking to reporters after returning to the White House Sunday night, Trump praised Alcatraz as a “symbol of law and order,” adding, “You know, it’s got quite a history.”
Bureau of Prisons: Silent on Feasibility
A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons confirmed it would comply with any official presidential orders but did not respond to questions about the logistics or feasibility of reopening the prison—which was shut down in 1963 due to crumbling infrastructure and prohibitive operating costs.
The proposed revival of Alcatraz sparked immediate backlash from critics, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose district includes the island. “It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction,” she wrote on X. “The President’s proposal is not a serious one.”
Alcatraz, now a National Historic Landmark run by the National Park Service, draws more than 1.4 million visitors each year. Its chilling legacy as “The Rock” remains intact: during its 29 years of operation, 36 men attempted escape in 14 separate incidents. According to the FBI, nearly all were caught—or perished in the frigid waters and strong currents surrounding the island.
A Broader Crackdown on Criminal Immigration
Trump’s proposal aligns with his increasingly hardline stance on criminal immigration. In recent months, he has clashed with federal courts over attempts to deport gang members to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison—often without trial.
In January, Trump announced plans to send up to 30,000 undocumented immigrants to Guantanamo Bay. In March, he publicized footage of alleged gang members—many from the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua—being aggressively deported and handed over to El Salvadoran authorities.
One man was reportedly deported based on a tattoo misidentified as a gang symbol, raising human rights concerns.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, seen touring CECOT in a government video, issued a stark warning: “If you come here and break our laws, we will hunt you down. Criminals are not welcome in the United States.”
A Political Statement or Policy in Motion?
Whether Alcatraz will truly return to life remains uncertain. The U.S. already operates 16 high-security federal penitentiaries capable of housing dangerous inmates. Rebuilding Alcatraz would require massive investment, logistical planning, and congressional approval—alongside the challenge of repurposing a historic landmark and tourist site.
Still, the proposal underscores Trump’s messaging ahead of the election cycle: a return to “tough on crime” policies and headline-grabbing declarations aimed at energizing his base.
