Understanding the History Behind Alcatraz
Alcatraz was a former maximum-security prison in San Francisco. President Millard Fillmore in 1850 declared the island for public purposes. Alcatraz was originally envisioned as a naval defense fortification and a residence for military offenders. It was first used as a jail during the Civil War and became a federal penitentiary in 1934. Alcatraz became a famous prison for high-profile inmates. In 1962, three inmates had broken out, and it was unknown if any of them successfully escaped. In 1963, the prison was closed, and the land was occupied by Native Americans. In 1972, Alcatraz became a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is now a popular tourist attraction. Some of the most famous prisoners were Al Capone, Robert Stroud, Mickey Cohen, and more.
Alcatraz Reopened: Security Solution or Political Spectacle
A huge question that has come up with Trump’s decision to reopen Alcatraz is about crime prevention or making a bold political statement. The decision has brought widespread confusion, logistical warning, and backlash. Trump’s decision to revive Alcatraz has been seen as a pivot for headlines distracted wrapped in punitive nostalgia. The revival also fits with longer traditions revolving around “law and order” as a political weapon. The symbolism of Alcatraz also carries a racial undertone. Back in the Jim Crow era, Black men were targeted by vagrancy laws and sentenced to harsh labor for any sort of offense. The symbolism of Alcatraz shares the same ideology with it being a place of containment and theatrical severity. It portrays a punishment of exhibition of power. Former House Speaker , Nancy Pelosi, questioned the feasibility of reopening the prison. She wrote,” It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The President’s proposal is not a serious one.” Experts have also stated ,” it is a deeply impractical plan with no foundation in modern corrections strategy.”
Alcatraz is not a fantasy. Turning it back into a prison requires more than a presidential declaration. It involves legal environment, congressional hurdles, and more. The
Trump’s Reasoning: A Push for Tougher Crime Policies?
During Trump’s second term, having more cruel and tougher criminal policies has been something Trump’s administration has focused on, dehumanizing people in our criminal legal system. Trump has been wanting to double down on brutal policy practices, pursuing extreme sentences, expanding the death penalty, and fueling mass incarceration. Although state and local governments control most criminal legal systems in their particular state, like sentencing and conditions in prisons.
Legal and Financial Hurdles in Bringing Alcatraz Back
Currently, President Donald Trump has directed the government to reopen the notorious former prison, Alcatraz, which has been closed for more than 60 years. In 1963, one of the main reasons Alcatraz was closed was the high cost of repairs and supplies to the island’s facility.
Alcatraz was closed for a variety of reasons. One was that nearly one million gallons of water had to be barged to the island every week since the island had no fresh water. Alcatraz also costs $10.10 a day to hold someone, compared to a federal prison, which is $3. It costs nearly $3 to $5 million to just keep open. It was three times more expensive than a normal federal prison.
Tourist Reaction to Alcatraz’s Reopening
Mixed reactions have arisen from tourists. Some in support and some opposing the idea of the reopening of Alcatraz.
A Trump supporter visiting from Chicago, Beverly Klir, stated,” I’m all for what Trump is doing but this doesn’t make sense, I believe Gitmo ( the prison at Guantanamo Bay) maye be better. That’s where they all belong. They don’t belong here.” Former prisoner who served 10 years, from 1942 to 1953, stated,” Everyone wants to be an individual, you want to be human. And you weren’t at “the Rock” [ which was the name given to the prison].
Trump has said it would “ serve as a symbol of law, order, and justice,”. A nonprofit dedicated to supporting operations at Alcatraz issued a statement opposing Trump’s idea.
“Alcatraz hasn’t been a working prison for over 60 years,” the organization said in its statement. “Today, it’s a powerful symbol — a National Historic Landmark preserved for all time, a transformative national park experience and global site of reflection. … This is where history speaks — and where we learn from the past to shape a better future. “
Many viewpoints have risen with Trump’s public statement on reopening Alcatraz.
Net Steps: Rebuilding and Reopening Alcatraz
To reopen Alcatraz, you will have to rebuild the entire thing. First, the prison isn’t functioning because it does not have running water. There is also no heat. It has to be torn down before anything. To renovate, you will need at least tens of millions of dollars. Also, the government could lose money if tourism revenue went away since the former prison has become a very popular tourist site since it closed. Tourism brings in millions of dollars each year. Reopening and rebuilding will cost a lot, and we could potentially lose money.
Criminally Informed 
Leave a comment