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Border czar Tom Homan voiced support for former President Donald Trump's proposal to reopen Alcatraz Island as a detention facility, calling it a potential solution to the nation's ongoing immigration challenges. "We need detention beds," Homan said, when asked about the idea. "I think it's certainly an option, especially for the significant public safety threats and national security threats.

It should be on the table," he told reporters outside the White House. Why It Matters The Trump administration has consistently pushed for expanded detention capacity to house migrants awaiting deportation proceedings. At the start of 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had capacity for roughly 47,000 people, with a non-detained docket of more than 7 million.

White House border czar Tom Homan speaks to reporters at the White House on May 5, 2025, in Washington. White House border czar Tom Homan speaks to reporters at the White House on May 5, 2025, in Washington. Associated Press What To Know Homan's comments came after Trump posted on Truth Social about his idea to re-open the notorious prison to house "America's most ruthless and violent Offenders."

Alcatraz closed in 1963 and is now a museum. The idea to use the facility to expand ICE detention came after new contracts were announced with private prison companies to increase the number of beds, while the administration also used space at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba to house deportees. Trump's proposal saw backlash over the weekend, with concerns around the cost to bring the prison back into everyday use as a high-security facility, as well as the logistics of such an operation.

Homan said on Monday morning that discussions are underway with additional countries—beyond El Salvador—that may be willing to accept deported migrants from the United States. However, he declined to specify how many nations are involved, saying only that "there's talks underway with countries." In response to questions about the administration's recently announced plan to offer undocumented immigrants $1,000 and travel assistance to voluntarily return to their home countries, Homan indicated early signs of progress.

"I think we'll have some movement," he said, adding that migrants are "starting to get the message" that self-deportation can be a good option. What People Are Saying Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, on X, formerly Twitter: "Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction.

The President's proposal is not a serious one." X account WarClandestine: "For those of you concerned about the supposed cost to operate Alcatraz… You fail to recognize the value of a deterrent. Alcatraz was turned from a military prison, to a federal civilian prison in 1934, mostly to combat organized crime.

The small cells and harsh conditions were notorious and feared, which served as a deterrent to strike fear into criminals, and hopefully prevent them from engaging in organized crime in the first place." The Bureau of Prisons, in a statement: "The Bureau of Prisons will comply with all Presidential Orders. When we get additional information, we will be happy to provide it."

President Donald Trump, speaking in the Oval Office: "It represents something very strong, very powerful, in terms of law and order. Our country needs law and order… It housed the most violent criminals in the world and nobody ever escaped."

What Happens Next ICE could receive billions more in funding for detention space if GOP budget proposals make it through Congress. It is not yet clear whether lawmakers would also allocate sufficient funding for the president's Alcatraz proposal. Reporting by the Associated Press contributed to this story.

Update 5/5/25, 2:17 p.m. ET: This story was updated with additional information. Update 5/5/25, 1:25 p.m.

ET: This story was updated with additional information.