NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump has announced his intention to instruct his administration in reopening and expanding Alcatraz, the infamous former prison located on a California island.
On his Truth Social platform Sunday evening, Trump stated, “America has suffered too long under the influence of vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenders, the lowest elements of society, who offer nothing but Misery and Suffering. In the past, when we were a more resolute Nation, we didn’t hesitate to imprison the most dangerous criminals, ensuring they remained away from others they might harm. That’s how it should be.”
“Therefore, as of today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, along with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen an enlarged and renovated version of ALCATRAZ to incarcerate America’s most ruthless and violent offenders,” he continued, adding: “The reopening of ALCATRAZ will symbolize Law, Order, and JUSTICE.”
The prison was closed in 1963, and Alcatraz Island is currently operated as a tourist site.
The order comes as Trump has been clashing with the courts as he tries to send accused gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador, without due process. Trump has also talked about wanting to send American citizens there and to other foreign prisons.
