() Former acting director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons Hugh Hurwitz says reviving and reopening Alcatraz, the infamous California prison off the coast of San Francisco, would be a massive undertaking. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed strong interest in reopening the prison.
Hurwitz raised several concerns on ” Now” with Alex Caprariello about feasibility, including outdated infrastructure, the island’s remote location and size and the potentially high cost of construction factors that would delay the project.
When asked directly how long it would take, Hurwitz said it would take “years” to complete.
“Renovating the facility is not even an option; they’re gonna have to completely tear it down and rebuild a new building from scratch,” Hurwitz said.
The island spans a mere 22 acres, tiny compared to recent federal prison projects.
“The Bureau of Prisons right now is in plans to build another prison in Kentucky that’s 500 acres,” Hurwitz added.
Trump announced his plans for the island back in May.
“The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE.” Trump posted on social media.
Hurwitz acknowledged the president is right about the prison’s “mystique” but pointed out the U.S. already has a maximum-security facility for the most dangerous inmates: ADX Florence in Colorado, where prisoners are locked down 23 hours a day.
“They already have that symbol of law and order, if that’s what the president is looking for,” Hurwitz said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum visited the island Thursday. Burgum made an announcement on social media following the visit.
“Spent the day on Alcatraz Island, a (National Park Service) site, to start the work to renovate and reopen the site to house the most dangerous criminals and illegals. This administration is restoring safety, justice, and order to our streets,” Burgum said
Alcatraz has been closed since 1963.
