The White House has requested $152 million to begin plans to reopen Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary as a “state-of-the-art secure prison facility.”
The proposal signals a potential revival of one of America’s most iconic correctional institutions, located on an island in San Francisco Bay.
Alcatraz once housed some of the most notorious criminals in U.S. history, including Al Capone.
The facility operated as a federal prison from 1934 until its closure in 1963.
It was shut down largely due to high operating costs and logistical challenges tied to its island location.
The proposed funding would be used to transform the facility into a modern, high-security prison.
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Officials say the plan is to combine its historic infrastructure with updated correctional technologies.
The request will now go before United States Congress, which will decide whether to approve the funding.
If approved, the move could mark a significant shift in U.S. correctional infrastructure strategy.
The proposal is expected to generate debate over cost, practicality, and the symbolism of reopening a historic prison site.
Alcatraz has since become a major tourist attraction, raising questions about balancing heritage with security needs.
