Trump mandates Alcatraz to be reopened
<b>The President Envisions an Expanded Facility to House the “Dregs of Society”</b> US President Donald Trump has announced intentions to reinstate Alcatraz Island’s historical function as a maximum-security federal penitentiary. In a social...
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The President Envisions an Expanded Facility to House the “Dregs of Society”
US President Donald Trump has announced intentions to reinstate Alcatraz Island’s historical function as a maximum-security federal penitentiary.
In a social media post on Sunday, Trump stated that the nation needs a facility for the “dregs of society,” as his deportation efforts continue to face legal challenges.
Originally built as a military fortification off the San Francisco coast, Alcatraz operated as a correctional institution for nearly three decades before being closed over sixty years ago, after which it became a well-known tourist attraction.
Trump indicated that he has directed the Department of Justice “to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house America’s most ruthless and violent Offenders.”
He emphasized, “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,” describing the planned transformation as a “symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE.”
Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump vowed to deport illegal immigrants; however, he has faced pushback from courts that view his administration’s policies as infringing upon due process rights.
Located approximately 2km off the Californian coast, Alcatraz—often called “the Rock”—is infamous for its reputation as an inescapable facility. Out of 36 inmates who tried to escape, none confirmed success, although five are still categorized as “missing and presumed drowned.”
The original structure on the island was built in the 1850s as a military stronghold to protect San Francisco Bay. The Department of Justice took control in 1933, using it as a prison until its closure in 1963. Once considered a significant symbol of governmental resistance to rampant crime in the early 20th century, it was ultimately deemed too costly to operate compared to other similar facilities.
Currently, Alcatraz is designated as a National Historic Landmark, drawing over a million annual visitors under the management of the National Park Service. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose district encompasses the island, criticized Trump’s announcement as “not a serious one.”
Later in the day, the president told reporters that reopening the prison was “just an idea I’ve had.”
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
US President Donald Trump has announced intentions to reinstate Alcatraz Island’s historical function as a maximum-security federal penitentiary.
In a social media post on Sunday, Trump stated that the nation needs a facility for the “dregs of society,” as his deportation efforts continue to face legal challenges.
Originally built as a military fortification off the San Francisco coast, Alcatraz operated as a correctional institution for nearly three decades before being closed over sixty years ago, after which it became a well-known tourist attraction.
Trump indicated that he has directed the Department of Justice “to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house America’s most ruthless and violent Offenders.”
He emphasized, “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,” describing the planned transformation as a “symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE.”
Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump vowed to deport illegal immigrants; however, he has faced pushback from courts that view his administration’s policies as infringing upon due process rights.
Located approximately 2km off the Californian coast, Alcatraz—often called “the Rock”—is infamous for its reputation as an inescapable facility. Out of 36 inmates who tried to escape, none confirmed success, although five are still categorized as “missing and presumed drowned.”
The original structure on the island was built in the 1850s as a military stronghold to protect San Francisco Bay. The Department of Justice took control in 1933, using it as a prison until its closure in 1963. Once considered a significant symbol of governmental resistance to rampant crime in the early 20th century, it was ultimately deemed too costly to operate compared to other similar facilities.
Currently, Alcatraz is designated as a National Historic Landmark, drawing over a million annual visitors under the management of the National Park Service. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose district encompasses the island, criticized Trump’s announcement as “not a serious one.”
Later in the day, the president told reporters that reopening the prison was “just an idea I’ve had.”
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
