Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Attorney General Pam Bondi Visit Alcatraz Island

07/17/2025
Last edited 07/17/2025
Contact Information

Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

Statement from Interior Press:

Today, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum visited Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, California in accordance with President Donald J. Trump's directive to assess reopening the notorious prison to house the most dangerous and violent criminals.

As a National Park Service site, Alcatraz is overseen by the Department of the Interior. The former prison was home to some of America's most infamous criminals. In May, President Trump called for a review to explore reopening the prison to house criminal illegal immigrants and other dangerous criminals as he continues to restore justice and Make America Safe Again.

The Secretary was joined by Attorney General Pam Bondi and officials from the Bureau of Prisons as part of Interior's partnership with the Department of Justice to help lead the president's mission and restore law and order in our country. During the visit, Burgum and Bondi toured the mid-19th century building, visiting the dock, power station, and industry building. The Secretary and AG also toured the cell block that housed Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly, viewed an overlook of the Parade Grounds onsite and gave an exclusive interview to Fox News. 

The trip to California comes amid the Trump administration's efforts to reverse the damage done by the Biden administration to The Golden State after residents experienced increases in violent crime, property crime, and robberies because of the policies of the previous administration and state officials that let criminals walk free.

Their visit also highlights the Trump administration's ongoing commitment to enforcing law and order to the fullest extent and ensuring our streets are free of violent criminals. The trip comes just weeks after the signing of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, landmark legislation that makes the largest border security investment in years and ensures our borders are permanently secure. 

###

  • Press Release
    Cronan Ranch trailhead located along the South Fork American River in CA
    09/10/2025

    Interior Proposes to Rescind Public Lands Rule, Restoring Balanced, Multiple-Use Management 

    The Department of the Interior is proposing to rescind the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule, aligning with Secretary Doug Burgum’s commitment to restoring balance in federal land management by prioritizing multiple-use access, empowering local decision-making and supporting responsible energy development, ranching, grazing, timber production and recreation across America’s public lands.

    Read more
  • Press Release
    Broadband cable infrastructure through dug out ditch.
    09/08/2025

    Interior Cuts Red Tape, Expedites Broadband Infrastructure Development in Tribal Communities    

    The Department of the Interior Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs today announced an updated policy to cut red tape and speed up the process for approving tribal broadband infrastructure projects as part of Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum’s commitment to streamline support for tribal initiatives, from infrastructure to energy development.

    Read more
  • Press Release
    Department of the Interior bison seal set against green mountainous background.
    09/04/2025

    New Secretary’s Order Strengthens Outdoor Access and Recreation

    The Department of the Interior today announced Secretary’s Order 3442, guiding the implementation of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, alongside a historic $437,377,607 allocation from the program to all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. Together, these actions reflect President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to expanding outdoor recreation, reducing red tape and ensuring that America’s public lands serve the American people. 

    Read more

Was this page helpful?

Please provide a comment