ICE HQ in S.F.s Financial District has 80-year history of detaining immigrants
The ICE office located at 630 Sansome St. has a troubling history of detaining immigrants that dates back to the late 1940s. Notably, Leong Bick Ha, a Chinese woman detained there, took her own life in 1948 after being denied asylum. The building, which has served as an immigration enforcement center since the destruction of the Angel Island facility, has housed thousands of detainees under conditions described as “prison-like. ” Historian Brianna Nofil points out that many residents were unaware of the detentions taking place due to the building's office setting.
Over the years, the facility has seen various tragic incidents, including a dramatic ledge sit-in by another detainee, Huang Lai, which drew a crowd of onlookers. Despite its significant role in immigration enforcement, public awareness has been limited. The building's history underscores the often-overlooked implications of U. S. immigration policy.
As mass arrests continue, the legacy of 630 Sansome St. remains a focal point for discussions on immigration reform.