Trump Wants to Reopen Alcatraz—Here’s What We Know so Far

Additional prison space is consistent with the president’s efforts to crack down on criminal activity in the United States.

An aerial view shows Alcatraz island in San Francisco on May 16, 2024. Alcatraz Island is 1.25 miles (2.01 km) offshore from San Francisco and initially was a federal prison before being converted into a tourist attraction. The strong currents around the island and cold water temperatures made escape nearly impossible, and the prison became one of the most notorious in American history. Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images

President Donald Trump says he wants to reopen a “substantially enlarged and rebuilt” Alcatraz prison, saying he wants to place violent criminals, repeat offenders, and possibly illegal immigrants in the facility.

Speaking to reporters on May 4, the president said he is directing the Bureau of Prisons to rebuild and reopen the San Francisco Bay facility, adding that the prison is a “symbol of law and order.”