ICE HQ in S.F.s Financial District has 80-year history of detaining immigrants
The ICE office in San Francisco has a troubling history of detaining immigrants that dates back to its establishment in 1944 at 630 Sansome St. Leong Bick Ha's suicide in 1948, after being held in harsh conditions, exemplifies the tragic outcomes of such detentions. Thousands of immigrants were processed in the building, often under severe circumstances, and many San Franciscans remained unaware of these activities. Historian Brianna Nofil argues that the use of office spaces for detention began here, allowing authorities to operate with less scrutiny. Recent events, including mass arrests and violent protests, have renewed public scrutiny of the facility's practices.
The historical context of immigrant detention in this building underscores ongoing issues surrounding U. S. immigration policy. The San Francisco Chronicle previously described the detention conditions as “prison-like,” reflecting the facility's longstanding issues. As the conversation around immigration enforcement evolves, the legacy of 630 Sansome St.
remains a critical point of discussion.