Latest News in San Francisco, CA

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

Mass arrests and prolonged detentions by ICE in San Francisco have drawn attention to its headquarters at 630 Sansome St., a site with a controversial history dating back to World War II. The building, once the INS headquarters, has housed thousands of detainees under harsh conditions, including notable cases like Leong Bick Ha, who tragically took her life in 1948. Historian Brianna Nofil highlights how the building's use for detaining immigrants has largely gone unnoticed by the public.

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

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in San Francisco's 630 Sansome St. has a long history of detaining immigrants, dating back to its use by the Immigration and Naturalization Services since 1946. High-profile incidents, including the suicide of Leong Bick Ha in 1948, have highlighted the building's troubling legacy and the often-hidden practices of immigration enforcement. Historian Brianna Nofil notes that detaining individuals in office spaces helps avoid public scrutiny.

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

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in San Francisco's 630 Sansome St. has a troubling 80-year history of detaining immigrants, linked to tragic events such as the suicide of Leong Bick Ha in 1948. This building has faced scrutiny for its role in immigration enforcement since the end of World War II, housing thousands of detainees under harsh conditions. Local historian Brianna Nofil notes that many residents were unaware of the detentions occurring in the office space.

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

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in San Francisco, located at 630 Sansome St., has a troubling 80-year history of detaining immigrants. The building previously served as the headquarters for the Immigration and Naturalization Services, where numerous detainees faced harsh conditions, including the tragic case of Leong Bick Ha, who took her life in 1948 after being denied asylum. Recent mass arrests and protests have reignited scrutiny of the building's legacy in immigration enforcement.

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

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in San Francisco, located at 630 Sansome St., has a long history of detaining immigrants, dating back to its role as an Immigration and Naturalization Services facility. Notably, the tragic case of Leong Bick Ha in 1948 highlights the harsh conditions faced by detainees, prompting public scrutiny of the building's operations. Recent mass arrests and protests continue to draw attention to the ongoing immigration enforcement practices in the area.

Brother of SF influencer Ricci Wynne facing same human trafficking, pimping charges

Gage Wynne, 32, faces charges of human trafficking, pimping, and pandering, linked to sex work advertisements in San Francisco. He is the brother of Ricci Wynne, who was federally indicted for coercing minors into sexual conduct and also faces similar charges. The investigation into Gage followed his arrest during a human trafficking rescue operation.

Ella Hill Hutch Community Center Facing Closure, as City Cuts Off Funding After Nonprofit Spending Scandal

San Francisco's Ella Hill Hutch Community Center faces permanent closure due to funding cuts linked to a bribery scandal involving its parent nonprofit, Collective Impact. City Attorney David Chiu announced plans to debar the organization from city contracts after allegations of misusing public funds for personal benefits emerged. Collective Impact claims it will shut down by October without city support, risking vital services for the Western Addition community.

San Mateo County moves toward banning whip-it sales in unincorporated areas

San Mateo County supervisors moved to ban nitrous oxide sales in unincorporated areas, citing public health risks. Board President David Canepa emphasized the rising recreational use among youth and its associated dangers, including neurological damage. The ordinance is scheduled for a vote on August 26.

Man Dies by Drowning While Attending Reggae on the River Festival in Mendocino County

A 66-year-old man, Robert Samuel James, drowned while attending the Reggae on the River festival in Mendocino County. His body was discovered on August 2, upstream from the festival area, by a snorkeler from CalTrout. An autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death.

San Mateo County voluntary gun buyback event nets nearly 250 weapons surrendered

San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office hosted a gun buyback event in Belmont, resulting in nearly 250 firearms surrendered. Participants received between $50 and $200 per firearm, contributing to over 3,000 firearms collected since the program's inception in 2018. The initiative aims to promote gun safety and reduce firearm-related incidents in the community.