President Trump claims America is “plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat offenders,” and he’s using that claim to justify reopening and expanding Alcatraz—an outdated, isolated prison that was shut down more than 60 years ago for being too expensive and unsustainable.

But if our society truly is overwhelmed with crime, that’s not a reason to build more prisons. It’s a glaring sign that our system isn’t working. A functional justice system should reduce crime, not manage its failures by building even more places to lock people up.

Spending billions to rebuild Alcatraz won’t solve the core problems. We already know what works: rehabilitation, mental health services, education, restorative justice, and reentry programs. When people get the support they need, they’re less likely to return to prison. That’s how we actually make communities safer—and save taxpayer money in the process.

Instead of pouring funds into a dramatic return to “The Rock,” let’s put that money toward fixing what’s broken. A smarter, more humane justice system will mean fewer people in prison, not more.

Sign now to tell our leaders: Don’t bring back Alcatraz. Bring back dignity, fairness, and real reform.

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