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

The ICE office in San Francisco, situated at 630 Sansome St. , has a history of detaining immigrants that dates back to the late 1940s, when the Immigration and Naturalization Service occupied the building. Notably, Leong Bick Ha's tragic suicide in 1948 serves as a stark reminder of the harsh conditions faced by detainees. Historian Brianna Nofil highlights that this location marks the beginning of detaining individuals in office spaces, often without public scrutiny. Many locals remained unaware of the detention practices until high-profile incidents, such as Huang Lai's protest in 1948, attracted significant attention.

Over the years, the building has housed thousands of detainees, including families and individuals from various backgrounds, often under dire circumstances. Recent events, including mass immigrant arrests and violent protests, have reignited scrutiny over the treatment of asylum-seekers within its walls. The historical significance of 630 Sansome St. raises critical questions about immigration policy and its human consequences. As public awareness grows, the demand for reform in immigration enforcement intensifies.