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

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement office at 630 Sansome St. has a troubling 80-year history of detaining immigrants, originating from its time as the Immigration and Naturalization Services headquarters post-World War II. Leong Bick Ha, a Chinese detainee, tragically took her life in 1948 after being denied asylum, highlighting the harsh conditions faced by many. Over 4,000 women were detained in the building during a brief period, often in jail-like settings with limited communication with family. Historian Brianna Nofil emphasizes that the building's discreet location contributed to public ignorance regarding the scale of detentions.

Instances of public awareness, such as a woman threatening to jump from the building in 1948, briefly illuminated its role as a detention center. Recent mass immigrant arrests and violent protests have reignited scrutiny of the building's legacy. As public awareness grows, the building's connection to immigration enforcement may prompt calls for policy changes. Continued examination of its history could influence future discussions on immigration and human rights.