Alcatraz is a former federal prison on San Francisco Bay, infamous for its rugged guard towers and high-security reputation, operating from 1934 to 1963 and now a historic site and symbol of U.S. penal policy.
The 2027 federal budget includes $152 million to rebuild Alcatraz as a secure prison for violent offenders. The plan faces political and logistical hurdles, including the island's current state of disrepair and its status as a historic landmark. The proposal aims to restore the prison's reputation as a symbol of law and order.