On May 4, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced that he is directing the Federal Bureau of Prisons to reopen Alcatraz, the notorious prison island in San Francisco Bay that closed over 60 years ago.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE.”
He added that the facility would be used to detain “America’s most ruthless and violent offenders.”
What Is Alcatraz?
Alcatraz Island, located about 1.5 miles off the coast of San Francisco, was originally discovered in 1775 by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala, who named it Isla de los Alcatraces — “Island of the Pelicans.”
- Initially a military fort (1850–1933), it was converted into a federal maximum-security prison in 1934.
- The prison housed infamous criminals such as Al Capone, George “Machine-Gun” Kelly, and Robert “Birdman” Stroud.
- Alcatraz operated until March 21, 1963, when it was shut down due to high operational costs and infrastructure challenges.
- In 1973, it reopened as a public museum, now attracting over 1 million visitors annually.
Why Did Alcatraz Shut Down?
Alcatraz became too expensive to run:
- Three times costlier than other federal prisons.
- Food, supplies, and 1 million gallons of water per week had to be brought in by boat.
- Restoration would have required $3–5 million, not including daily expenses.
Famous for Escape Attempts — and Its Reputation
Despite its isolated location and icy waters, 14 escape attempts were made. None were officially successful, though some — like the 1962 escape by Frank Morris and Clarence & John Anglin — remain unsolved and legendary.
Although known for its harshness, some inmates reportedly preferred Alcatraz because of the privacy of one-man cells and structured routines.
Alcatraz in Popular Culture
Alcatraz has inspired multiple films and documentaries:
- “Escape from Alcatraz” (1979) starring Clint Eastwood.
- “The Rock” (1996) featuring Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery.
- “Alcatraz” (2018), based on the violent 1946 Battle of Alcatraz, which left five dead, including two guards.
🇺🇸 What This Means Today
Trump’s proposal to reopen Alcatraz as an active prison has sparked national debate. Supporters view it as a tough-on-crime move, while critics question the feasibility and ethics of reviving such a historically grim institution.