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

The ICE office at 630 Sansome St. in San Francisco faces renewed scrutiny amid mass arrests and prolonged detentions of immigrants. This building has a complex history with immigration enforcement that dates back to its use by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) following World War II. Leong Bick Ha, a Chinese woman detained there in 1948, tragically took her own life after being denied asylum, highlighting the building's dark past. Thousands of immigrants were held in the building under harsh conditions, yet many San Franciscans remained unaware of these detentions.

Historian Brianna Nofil notes that the building's office-like facade contributed to its anonymity, allowing immigration practices to proceed without public scrutiny. The detention of individuals in such settings marks a significant shift in immigration policy and enforcement tactics. The history of 630 Sansome St. serves as a reminder of the consequences of immigration enforcement practices. As public awareness grows, calls for reform may intensify.