President Donald Trump announced Sunday evening that he is instructing federal agencies to restore and expand the Alcatraz Island prison facility, the move signals crackdown on what he described as repeat violent offenders and illegal immigrants shielded by activist judges.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that once refurbished, Alcatraz would serve as a federal detention site for “the most ruthless and violent Offenders,” particularly criminal migrants whose deportations have been hindered by judicial rulings.
“REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!” he wrote. “For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering.”
“When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. That’s the way it’s supposed to be,” he continued.
Citing failures of the current justice system and the role of unelected judges in obstructing deportations, Trump said the move to reopen the infamous island prison marks a return to strong law enforcement and national sovereignty.
“No longer will we tolerate these Serial Offenders who spread filth, bloodshed, and mayhem on our streets,” he declared. “That is why, today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ.”
He ended his post with a pledge to reassert control over the immigration system and restore public order.
“We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and Judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our Country illegally,” he wrote. “The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
The post was accompanied by an image of Alcatraz during its operational years, reinforcing Trump’s vision for a return to an era of tough-on-crime policy.
Alcatraz, located just over a mile from San Francisco, has a long and storied history. First taken under U.S. control in 1848, it was developed into a military fortress under President Millard Fillmore.
After its initial wooden structure was rebuilt in concrete between 1910 and 1912, it served as a disciplinary barracks for the U.S. Army.
The federal government assumed control in 1933, converting the facility into a maximum-security prison. From 1934 until its closure in 1963, it housed some of the nation’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.
Over nearly three decades, 34 inmates attempted to escape the island. President John F. Kennedy ultimately shut down the prison, citing operational costs.
Trump’s announcement comes as tensions escalate with Mexico over border security and cartel violence.
During remarks aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump confirmed that he offered to send U.S. troops into Mexico to target cartel operations, a proposal the Mexican president rejected.
Claudia Sheinbaum, the president of Mexico, disclosed the offer Saturday, stating, “And do you know what I told him? No, President Trump. The territory cannot be violated. Sovereignty cannot be sold. Sovereignty is cherished and defended.”
Asked about her remarks, Trump responded, “Mexico is saying that I offered to send U.S. troops into Mexico to take care of the cartel, she wants to know, is that true?” He answered, “It’s true.”
He described Sheinbaum as being unable to confront the cartels out of fear of retribution.
“She is so afraid of the cartels she can’t even think straight,” he said. Still, he referred to her as “a lovely woman.”
Sheinbaum maintained her position, insisting that any U.S. military operation inside Mexico would be “not necessary” and flatly “unacceptable.”
“We can collaborate. We can work together. But you in your territory and us in ours. We can share information, but we will never accept the presence of the United States Army in our territory,” she added.
