Trump Plans to Reopen and Expand Alcatraz Federal Prison

 

(United States, May 5) U.S. President Donald Trump announced on May 4 that he has directed federal agencies to reopen and expand Alcatraz Federal Prison, commonly referred to as “The Rock.” 

Alcatraz Prison opened in 1934 and had a maximum capacity of 336 inmates. It housed infamous criminals, including mob boss Al Capone. However, due to high operating costs, it was closed in 1963. Since then, it has become a popular tourist attraction and a National Historic Landmark in California. 

The prison has inspired numerous films, including the 1996 movie The Rock starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage. 

Located on Alcatraz Island, 2 kilometers from San Francisco, the prison is surrounded by water, making it nearly impossible to escape. Its isolated and foreboding location earned it the nickname “The Rock” and the sinister moniker “Devil’s Island.” 

On social media, Trump strongly condemned the United States' long-standing struggle with repeat offenders and violent criminals, whom he referred to as “societal scum” that bring “pain and suffering.” He declared, “We will no longer tolerate these serial offenders spreading filth, bloodshed, and chaos on our streets.” 

A Symbol of Law and Justice 

Trump announced: “I am directing the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security to work together to reopen and significantly expand Alcatraz Prison, making it a facility dedicated to housing America’s most ruthless and violent criminals.” 

Trump emphasized that illegal immigrant offenders will no longer evade justice and reopening Alcatraz will serve as a “symbol of law, order, and justice.” 

Recently, Trump has clashed with courts over attempts to bypass legal procedures to send gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador. He has also suggested sending American citizens to prisons in El Salvador and other foreign countries.