In a bold move announced on May 5, 2025, President Donald Trump declared plans to reopen and expand the notorious Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, aiming to house America's most violent and repeat offenders. This decision underscores Trump's commitment to a stringent law-and-order agenda, emphasizing the need to isolate dangerous criminals. Alcatraz, operational from 1934 to 1963, previously housed some of the nation's most infamous criminals. Here are 10 of the most notorious inmates who served time at Alcatraz:

1. Al Capone ("Scarface")

Al Capone, one of America's most infamous gangsters, was convicted of tax evasion in 1931. Known for his involvement in bootlegging, gambling, and violent crimes during Prohibition, Capone was sent to Alcatraz in 1934. His time there was marked by a deteriorating health condition, largely caused by syphilis, which eventually led to his release in 1939. Capone's influence and reputation remained immense even behind bars.

2. George "Machine Gun" Kelly

George "Machine Gun" Kelly was a notorious gangster during the Prohibition era. He became infamous for his involvement in the kidnapping of wealthy businessman Charles Urschel in 1933. Kelly's crimes led to his conviction and subsequent transfer to Alcatraz in 1934. Unlike many other infamous inmates, Kelly became a model prisoner, engaging in religious study and reform. He was eventually released in 1951 after serving 17 years in prison.

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3. Robert Stroud ("Birdman of Alcatraz")

Robert Stroud, known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz," was convicted of manslaughter in 1909 and later for the murder of a prison guard in 1916. He spent over 50 years in federal prisons, including Alcatraz, where he developed a profound interest in ornithology. Stroud studied and raised birds, particularly canaries, and published two books on the subject. Despite his calm demeanor with birds, Stroud’s violent past earned him a reputation as a dangerous inmate.

4. Alvin "Creepy" Karpis

Alvin "Creepy" Karpis was a member of the notorious Barker-Karpis gang, a criminal group involved in robberies, kidnappings, and murder. He was eventually arrested in 1936 after a nationwide manhunt. Sent to Alcatraz in 1937, Karpis spent over two decades there, the longest sentence of any inmate. He was well-known for his attempts to escape but was never successful. Paroled in 1969, Karpis lived a relatively quiet life before passing away in 1979.

5. Arthur "Doc" Barker

Arthur "Doc" Barker, a member of the infamous Barker-Karpis gang, was heavily involved in the kidnapping of wealthy individuals during the Great Depression. After his capture in 1935, he was sent to Alcatraz in 1939. Known for his attempts to escape, Barker died in 1939 after being shot by guards during a failed escape attempt. His violent criminal activity, particularly involving kidnapping and robbery, marked him as one of Alcatraz’s most dangerous inmates.

6. Mickey Cohen

Mickey Cohen, a prominent mobster in Los Angeles, became one of the most influential figures in organized crime during the mid-20th century. Convicted of tax evasion in 1961, Cohen was sentenced to prison and transferred to Alcatraz. Known for his ruthlessness in the criminal underworld, Cohen managed to maintain a strong influence while incarcerated. After serving a part of his sentence, he was transferred and later paroled, but his criminal activities continued until his death.

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7. Henri Young

Henri Young, an infamous inmate associated with Alcatraz’s brutal history, was convicted of bank robbery and murder. In 1941, he was involved in the killing of a fellow inmate, which led to a highly publicized trial. Young’s case became the subject of controversy due to the harsh conditions at Alcatraz, and it was later dramatized in the 1995 movie Murder in the First. His life and case remain a significant part of Alcatraz’s dark legacy.

8. Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson

Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson was a notorious Harlem mob boss known for his control over the heroin trade and his ruthless criminal enterprises. Johnson’s crime activities eventually led to his imprisonment, where he spent part of his sentence at Alcatraz. Although Johnson was not as widely recognized as other gangsters, his criminal influence in Harlem was immense. His time at Alcatraz was marked by his leadership skills and his eventual role in shaping Harlem's crime landscape after release.

9. Frank Morris

Frank Morris, a convicted bank robber, is best known for his daring escape from Alcatraz in 1962. Along with the Anglin brothers, he meticulously planned and executed a breakout that remains one of the most infamous escape attempts in American history. Although Morris and his accomplices were never found, their escape sparked a massive manhunt and remains unsolved, adding to the myth and intrigue surrounding Alcatraz’s reputation as an inescapable prison.

10. Clarence and John Anglin

Clarence and John Anglin, brothers involved in a series of bank robberies, teamed up with Frank Morris in 1962 to escape Alcatraz. The escape was highly detailed, with the trio digging through their cells and creating life-sized mannequins to avoid detection. Despite an extensive search by authorities, the Anglin brothers and Morris were never recaptured. Their mysterious disappearance has fueled rumors and theories, making their escape one of the most enduring mysteries in U.S. prison history.