ICE HQ in S.F.s Financial District has 80-year history of detaining immigrants

The ICE office at 630 Sansome St. in San Francisco has a long history of detaining immigrants dating back to the late 1940s when it served as the headquarters for the Immigration and Naturalization Services. The tragic case of Leong Bick Ha, who took her life in 1948 after being denied asylum, exemplifies the distressing conditions faced by detainees there. Thousands of immigrants, including families and political dissidents, were held in the building under prison-like conditions, often without public knowledge. Historian Brianna Nofil emphasizes that the office's discreet location allowed for a lack of scrutiny regarding immigration enforcement practices.

Notably, an incident in 1948 involving Huang Lai, who attempted suicide on a ledge, drew significant public attention to the facility's operations. The building's operations reflect ongoing issues in immigration policy, particularly regarding transparency and the treatment of asylum seekers. Despite the historical context, many San Franciscans remain unaware of the building's role in detaining immigrants. The legacy of 630 Sansome St. illustrates the complex intersection of immigration enforcement and public perception.