(BOP) - The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), under the leadership of BOP Director William K. Marshall III, is on a fact-finding mission to determine whether the iconic Alcatraz can, once again, serve as a fortress of law and order. With the unwavering support of President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi, the BOP has launched a rigorous evaluation to explore the feasibility of restoring this legendary facility.
While no final decision has been made, the directive is clear: leave no stone unturned. If reopening Alcatraz is possible—we will find out. And if it makes sense operationally, legally, and financially—then we’ll make it happen.
Historic Visit Marks a Turning Point in the Assessment
On July 17, 2025, Attorney General Bondi, Director Marshall, and Deputy Director Joshua J. Smith visited Alcatraz with Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior Doug Burgum. Their tour of the island underscored the project’s national importance and affirmed a building vision to restore Alcatraz as a BOP facility.
Key Milestones in the Evaluation
The groundwork began in May 2025, when BOP personnel partnered with the National Park Service to conduct the first formal site assessment. What they saw was clear: Alcatraz is a historic symbol, but its future hinges on whether modern corrections infrastructure can be realistically brought to the island.
From there, engineers and planners quickly began developing design concepts, preliminary budgets, and logistical models. They considered bold options: from reinforcing the historic structures to constructing entirely new facilities with advanced, corrosion-resistant materials—all while honoring the island’s legacy.
In June, BOP’s Facilities Management Branch launched a comprehensive infrastructure review to confront the big questions head-on: Can we generate power? Move water? Secure the perimeter? Ensure sustainability? The assessment is ongoing—but momentum is real.
Driven by Facts
Director Marshall is leading the charge. “President Trump asked us to explore bold solutions to the public safety challenges we face,” he said. “We are doing just that—starting with the facts. If Alcatraz can be brought back, then we’re going to make that case to Congress. But first, we do the work.”
Why This Matters
Reopening Alcatraz isn’t just about a building, it’s about sending a message: crime doesn’t pay, and justice will be served. If feasible, Alcatraz will stand as a beacon of American resolve, where the most dangerous offenders face accountability. For the public, it’s a promise fulfilled—a stronger, safer America. And for President Trump, it’s a project that will make our nation proud.
What’s Next?
The BOP is currently finalizing a detailed cost estimate and developing a full feasibility report. Once complete, the bureau will present its findings to Congress and determine next steps. No final decisions have been made, but if the facts support it, the BOP is prepared to move forward with turning President Trump’s bold vision into reality.