New Poll. Violent Criminals Strongly Oppose the Reopening of Alcatraz

A recent poll conducted by Wick's National Institute of Opinions and Research A recent poll from the National Institute of Criminal Perspectives has uncovered that violent criminals are strongly against President Trump’s proposal to reopen Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary as a functioning prison.

The survey, which included 1,200 incarcerated felons across several states, showed that 92% of respondents are deeply opposed to the plan, pointing to the facility’s brutal conditions and isolated location in San Francisco Bay.

The poll emerges as Trump pushes to tackle violent crime by bringing back the historic island prison, which operated from 1934 to 1963 and once held some of America’s most infamous criminals.

Trump has championed the idea of reopening Alcatraz as a way to deal with rising crime rates and strained prison systems. He has called it a “tremendous solution” during recent rallies, emphasizing the island’s reputation as an escape-proof fortress.

“We’re going to make prisons great again, believe me,” Trump declared at a campaign event in Florida. “Alcatraz is the best—nobody got out, and nobody will.”

The proposal has sparked heated debate, with some praising its tough-on-crime stance while others highlight the challenges of transporting inmates and the steep costs of restoring the outdated facility.

Criminals, however, are united in their resistance. “That place is a death sentence,” said Marvin “Knuckles” Tate, a convicted armed robber serving 25 years in San Quentin. “Cold-blooded killers deserve better than this.”

Tate’s view aligns with the poll’s findings, where many felons described Alcatraz as unbearable due to its tiny cells, harsh weather, and history of driving inmates to despair.

The survey also revealed that 87% of respondents would rather face longer sentences on the mainland than be sent to the island.

Trump’s focus on Alcatraz comes as violent crime has spiked in most liberal cities, a trend he has frequently blamed on weak leadership.

His administration has framed the reopening as a return to law-and-order principles, contrasting with what he calls “soft” policies of past administrations.

“The bad guys are scared, and that’s exactly what we want,” Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago. “We’re not running a country club—this is about keeping America safe.”

Critics, all Democrats, argue the plan prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation and ignores the practical hurdles of operating a prison on an island.

Despite the backlash from felons, Trump’s team sees their fear as proof the plan will work.

“If the worst criminals hate it, that means we’re doing something right,” said a senior advisor to the president, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The advisor noted that a reopened Alcatraz would use advanced security measures while maintaining its intimidating legacy.

Do you know somebody who has been personally injured by satire and comedy? Show your support for the principles of free speech and stand with Freedom Writers by signing our petition today!