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. in San Francisco has a troubling history dating back to World War II, having served as the headquarters for the Immigration and Naturalization Services. Leong Bick Ha's suicide in 1948 highlights the severe emotional toll on detainees, as she was one of many immigrants subjected to harsh conditions. The building has housed thousands of detainees, including families and individuals from various backgrounds, often in a prison-like environment. Historian Brianna Nofil emphasizes that many San Franciscans were unaware of the detention practices occurring in the office space.
Recent protests and mass arrests have prompted a renewed focus on the building's role in immigration enforcement. Local activists contend that 630 Sansome represents the hidden struggles of immigrants within the U. S. immigration system. The facility's history underscores the need for greater transparency in immigration practices.
Advocates continue to call for reforms to address the ongoing issues surrounding detention and deportation.