Located on a rocky island in San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz opened as a federal penitentiary in 1934, intended for inmates deemed highly dangerous. Made famous by films and popular accounts, it housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. The prison was considered virtually escape-proof: surrounded by freezing waters and strong ocean currents, it discouraged any escape attempts. Today, the island is managed by the National Park Service and is one of Californiaโs most visited tourist attractions, drawing over one million visitors a year.
Why it closed in 1963
The prison was shut down in 1963 for economic and structural reasons. Maintaining the island was extremely costly, as all suppliesโincluding food and drinking waterโhad to be delivered by boat. The average cost per inmate was about three times higher than in other federal prisons. Moreover, the infrastructure had been severely damaged by salt and weather. The famous 1962 escape by the Anglin brothers and Frank Morrisโnever resolvedโsparked further controversy over the prisonโs security.
Trump: โAlcatraz will once again hold the worst criminalsโ
On May 4, 2025, Donald Trump announced on Truth Social his intention to reopen and expand Alcatraz. โFor too long, America has suffered from violent and repeat offenders,โ he wrote. โNow we will bring Alcatraz back to life to keep them away from society.โ He tasked the Bureau of Prisons, along with the FBI, DOJ, and Homeland Security, with reactivating the facility, calling it โa symbol of law and order.โ
Major obstacles to the project
The proposal has raised bipartisan concerns. Former House Speaker and California Representative Nancy Pelosi called the announcement โnot serious,โ noting that the island is now a protected national park. Criminal justice experts also highlight operational challenges: bringing Alcatraz up to modern standards would require multimillion-dollar investments, at a time when other federal prisons are being shut down to cut costs. Moreover, a new agreement would be needed with the National Park Service to change the islandโs current protected status.
A political message more than a realistic plan
Trumpโs announcement is part of a broader strategy to project toughness on crime and immigration. He has also proposed the use of foreign prisons and reopening Guantanamo for foreign detainees. However, reopening Alcatraz seems more symbolic than practical, given the logistical complexity, environmental constraints, and economic costs.
Who were Alcatrazโs most famous inmates?
During its 29 years of operation, Alcatraz housed some of Americaโs most notorious criminals. The most famous was Al Capone, the Chicago mob boss, sent there to prevent him from continuing to control operations from behind bars. Other well-known names include bank robber George โMachine Gunโ Kelly and Robert Stroud, known as โthe Birdman of Alcatraz,โ made famous by a film starring Burt Lancaster.
Did anyone ever escape Alcatraz?
According to official records, 36 inmates attempted escape in 14 separate incidents. All were either recaptured, killed, or presumed drownedโexcept for John and Clarence Anglin and Frank Morris, who vanished in 1962. Their escape was portrayed in the film Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood. The case remains unresolved and continues to fuel the islandโs legend.
How much does it cost to visit Alcatraz today?
Alcatraz Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the U.S. Tickets for the tour, which includes the ferry from San Francisco, cost about $45โ50 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. The self-guided audio tour inside the prison is available in multiple languages and allows visitors to explore the cells, corridors, and yard.
Why is Alcatraz considered a legendary prison?
Alcatraz has captured the public imagination for its isolated location, harsh conditions, and infamous inmates. It has featured in dozens of films, books, and documentaries, symbolizing the tough justice of 20th-century America. The idea of a “no-return” place has cemented its legendary status.
What are todayโs alternatives to Alcatraz?
Modern U.S. maximum-security prisonsโsuch as ADX Florence in Colorado, nicknamed โthe Alcatraz of the Rockiesโโhouse the most dangerous inmates under advanced surveillance systems. Although Alcatraz is famous, its role has long been assumed by more efficient and secure facilities.
Can Trump really order the closure of a national park?
Alcatraz is currently a National Historic Landmark managed by the National Park Service. Changing its status or beginning construction would require a complex legal and administrative process, including congressional approval. Trumpโs announcement does not equate to an enforceable executive order.
What does U.S. law say about detaining dangerous criminals?
In the U.S., high-risk inmates are sent to maximum-security federal facilities such as ADX Florence or Terre Haute. Constitutional guarantees require due processโeven for violent offenders. Proposals like Trumpโs, involving arbitrary or foreign detention, would likely face legal challenges from the Constitution and the Supreme Court.