Uncover a chapter of Hong Kong’s history, shrouded in controversy. This is San Uk Ling Holding Centre. It stands a few hundred meters from the Man Kam To Control Point. This control point marks the border crossing between Hong Kong and mainland China.
San Uk Ling opened in July 1979. It was built to house illegal immigrants awaiting repatriation. The British colonial government constructed it. This action addressed the strain on the existing detention center. The Ta Kwu Ling facility only held 60 people. San Uk Ling’s initial capacity was around 600.
The center’s early days saw a surge in illegal immigration. The Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force was mobilized. Platoons were posted to San Uk Ling. Illegal immigrants were sent back to China within 24 hours. Those held at San Uk Ling were taken to the Man Kam To border crossing. They were handed over at 12:30 pm daily. Accommodation was basic. Units were divided by steel fencing. By the mid-1980s, illegal immigration decreased. The facility held around 40 people daily.
San Uk Ling was converted in late 1989. It was meant to house Vietnamese refugees awaiting forced repatriation. Security was strengthened. Accommodation was improved. It is unclear if the facility was ever used for this purpose. The residential huts were fitted with air conditioners in 1991. In 1992, the maximum capacity was said to be 689.
After the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, San Uk Ling served as a temporary shelter. Movement leaders were transported to Hong Kong. This was part of Operation Yellowbird. During the WTO Ministerial Conference in 2005, arrested Korean farmers were sent to San Uk Ling.
During the 2019 protests, San Uk Ling became an overspill detention facility. Some arrested protestors were sent here. Its remote location made it difficult for arrestees to contact outsiders. There were no CCTVs in entrance and exit passages. There were no cameras in meeting rooms or search rooms. Police stated San Uk Ling was “most suitable” for detaining arrestees. They cited its capacity, security, and distance from disturbances.
Allegations of mistreatment and sexual violence emerged. These allegations were vehemently denied by the police. In September 2019, 31 detainees were sent to North District Hospital. Some had serious injuries. Media reported cases of assault and delayed hospitalization. Justices of the peace were denied visits to investigate. The Secretary for Security claimed no detainee reported injury during detention. He stated some reported injuries upon arrival.
The Police Public Relations Branch maintained San Uk Ling was a standard detention facility. They rebutted allegations as “unnamed” and “untrue”. The police stated the center had not been used to hold protestors since September 2019.
The city’s police watchdog investigated the case. The IPCC confirmed that no complaint was made about assault in San Uk Ling. However, the IPCC concluded the center was not suitable as a temporary holding area.
A man was jailed for 13 months. He fabricated claims of sexual assault in San Uk Ling.
The Police stopped using San Uk Ling to detain arrestees on September 26, 2019. Surveillance cameras were installed. A fixed-line telephone was added. Broadband service was upgraded.
San Uk Ling is jointly operated by the Hong Kong Police Force and Immigration Department. As of 2019, it continued to hold illegal immigrants. The facility contains four cell blocks. These blocks hold 16 detention cells. These cells can accommodate around 200 prisoners. The cells have stone beds, lighting, air conditioning, and toilets. The complex also has interview rooms.
San Uk Ling stands as a silent witness. It represents different chapters in Hong Kong’s history. It raises questions about immigration, protest, and justice. It is a place of detention and controversy.