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 faced scrutiny due to mass arrests and prolonged detentions of asylum seekers. This site has a troubling history dating back to 1946 when it became the headquarters for the now-defunct Immigration and Naturalization Services. Leong Bick Ha, a notable detainee, tragically took her life in 1948 after enduring harsh conditions and being denied entry despite her marriage to a U. S.
soldier. Historian Brianna Nofil emphasizes that many San Franciscans were unaware of the ongoing detentions until incidents like Huang Lai's protest on a ledge in 1948 drew attention. The building has always housed various federal agencies but remains primarily associated with immigration enforcement. Nofil argues that detentions in office spaces allow authorities to operate under the radar, limiting public scrutiny. Despite its unassuming appearance, the building has played a significant role in shaping immigration policy and the treatment of detainees.
Recent events highlight the ongoing relevance of this site in discussions surrounding immigration practices.