President Trump has announced a directive to rebuild and reopen Alcatraz as a maximum-security prison to house the most violent and repeat criminal offenders in the country, instructing the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security to coordinate on the project, which he called essential to restoring law and order.
“For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat offenders—the dregs of society—who will never contribute anything but misery and suffering,” Trump said. He argued that in more serious times, the country didn’t hesitate to isolate dangerous criminals, and that standard must return.
The revamped Alcatraz, he said, will be substantially enlarged and serve as a permanent facility for the most ruthless offenders. Trump also criticized judges who he claims are unwilling to remove criminals, including those in the country illegally, and said the reopening of Alcatraz would be a symbol of strength, justice, and national resolve.
