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

The ICE office at 630 Sansome St. has a long-standing history of detaining immigrants, dating back to the late 1940s when it served as the headquarters for the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Leong Bick Ha, a Chinese woman detained in 1948, committed suicide after being denied entry, highlighting the tragic consequences of these policies. Historian Brianna Nofil notes that the building's inconspicuous location contributed to a lack of public awareness regarding the mass detentions occurring within its walls. Thousands of immigrants faced harsh conditions, often separated from family and subjected to long waits for interviews.

The building's role in immigration enforcement was brought to light after incidents like Huang Lai's attempted suicide, which gathered significant public attention. Despite its modest appearance, 630 Sansome St. symbolizes the broader issues surrounding U. S. immigration policy.

The facility's history raises important questions about the treatment of asylum-seekers and the transparency of detention practices. This ongoing scrutiny reflects a growing demand for reform in how immigration enforcement operates in America.