Trump Proposes Reopening Alcatraz Despite Its Deterioration

Trump Proposes Reopening Alcatraz

Historic Prison Lies in Ruins

Controversial Incarceration Proposal

President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy after announcing his intention to reopen the Alcatraz prison to incarcerate “the most ruthless and violent criminals” in the country.

The famous island penitentiary, located in San Francisco Bay, has not housed inmates in over six decades and today stands as a shadow of what it once was.

Crumbling walls, rusted doors, debris, and cells without basic services greet the more than one million tourists who visit the site each year.

Far from being a correctional facility, Alcatraz is now one of California’s top tourist attractions, administered by the National Park Service.

Trump proposes reopening Alcatraz, the nation’s most famous prison

Trump proposes reopening Alcatraz despite its deterioration – Photo: Shutterstock

Trump’s announcement, made on May 4 via his social media platform Truth Social, was striking for its forceful tone and lack of operational details.

“We will no longer be hostages of criminals, thugs, and judges who are afraid to do their job… Reopening ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE,” wrote the former president.

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However, the message provided no dates, cost estimates, or a specific execution plan, and the proposal’s viability still depends on legislative approval.

One of the main reasons Alcatraz was shut down in 1963 was its high operating cost—three times higher than that of any other prison at the time.

A tourist icon in operational ruins

In addition, the island’s harsh conditions—constant humidity and isolation—quickly deteriorated its infrastructure and took a toll on inmates’ health.

The infamous Al Capone served time there and, according to historical records, suffered severe mental decline during his incarceration.

Trump’s proposal has sparked strong reactions, especially among officials in California, where the landmark island is located.

Governor Gavin Newsom dismissed the plan as a distraction from the economic issues created by Trump’s own policies.

Political criticism and logistical concerns of reopening Alcatraz

“It’s a project going nowhere,” he said on his weekly podcast, according to La Opinión.
Similarly, California Senator Scott Wiener called the idea “ridiculous” and warned it would be “incredibly expensive,” questioning who the proposed inmates would be.

“Who’s going to Alcatraz? Detained migrants? High-profile criminals?” he asked in a radio interview.

The situation is further complicated by the current state of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), which is already dealing with staff shortages and failing infrastructure.

Mounting pressure on the federal prison system

Adding to this is the pressure from Trump’s immigration policies, which require detention space for thousands of people.

As the debate intensifies, Alcatraz continues to receive visitors who stroll through its crumbling walls and empty cells.

James, a 22-year-old from Long Beach, visited the prison with friends and supported the idea.

“It’ll take a lot of work and money, but if done right, I think it could be really good. I’m sure (Trump) has a plan,” he said.

Other visitors were more skeptical. Mark, 41, agreed with restoring the site but called for more transparency.

In contrast, Chad, a tourist from Cleveland, rejected the idea outright: “I’m sure the prisons we already have are doing just fine. We probably don’t need this.”

Experts have also weighed in, including historian Richard White of Stanford University, who said: “It’s a crazy idea from a man who doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

For now, Alcatraz remains a relic of the 20th-century prison system—but Trump’s proposal has once again thrown the island into the media spotlight, La Opinión reported.