Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced intentions to reopen the infamous Alcatraz prison located in San Francisco, which has been closed for over 60 years.

The proposal aims to transform the facility into a maximum-security institution for 'the most dangerous and violent criminals' in America.

Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, emphasizing America's struggles with violent crime and recurring offenders, referring to them as 'the dregs of society' that bring 'misery and suffering.'

In his statement, Trump directed federal authorities including the Bureau of Prisons, the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of the Interior to initiate plans for a significant renovation and expansion of Alcatraz.

He characterized the reopening as a symbol of law, order, and justice.

Originally, Alcatraz was colloquially known as 'The Rock' and became operational in 1934. It housed some of the most notorious figures in American criminal history, including mobster Al Capone, but was closed in March 1963 due to high operational costs.

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons reported that the cost of running Alcatraz was approximately three times higher than that of any other federal prison at the time.

The facility's geographic isolation on a small rock island required expensive logistical arrangements, including transporting food by boat and providing 3.8 million liters of drinking water weekly, as the island lacks a source of fresh water.

Trump's announcement marks a renewed effort in his administration's focus on combating crime, a central issue in his political agenda, particularly as he advocates for stringent law enforcement measures.