At the time, the prison required $3–$5 million to remain open and cost nearly three times as much to operate as other federal prisons. Essential resources such as water had to be transported to the island, totaling over a million gallons per week.
Restoring the facility would require substantial infrastructure improvements, modern security systems, and extensive financial investment.
Additionally, the island is currently managed by the National Park Service as a major tourist destination and a National Historic Landmark.
A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons stated, “The agency will comply with all Presidential Orders,” but did not provide details about the feasibility or timeline of the proposed plan.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi dismissed the idea, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The President’s proposal is not a serious one.”
Alcatraz remains a powerful cultural symbol of isolation and containment. Whether it could serve a new role in modern criminal justice remains to be seen.
