Trump Pushes To Reopen And Expand Alcatraz For ‘Dregs Of Society’
Trump Vows to Reopen and Expand Alcatraz
A Symbol of “Law, Order, and Justice”
Former President Donald Trump announced plans to “rebuild and open Alcatraz,” calling it a symbol of “Law, Order, and JUSTICE.” In a post on Truth Social, he said the revamped prison would house “America’s most ruthless and violent Offenders.” Trump has instructed the Bureau of Prisons to coordinate with the DOJ, FBI, and Homeland Security to bring the prison back into use.
Targeting Criminals and Migrants
Trump suggested Alcatraz could help bypass court rulings that block his mass deportation plans, stating, “We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and judges that are afraid to do their job.” He also ordered a new facility at Guantanamo Bay for up to 30,000 “worst criminal aliens,” and hinted that some U.S. citizens could be sent there or to Alcatraz if legal issues arise.
Historic Prison with a Violent Past
Alcatraz, which once held infamous criminals like Al Capone, was shut down in 1963 due to high costs and logistical challenges. “The island had no source of fresh water, so nearly one million gallons of water had to be barged to the island each week,” a spokesperson said. It was three times more expensive to operate than other prisons at the time.
