Located within Frank S. Ortiz Park, this marker commemorates the Santa Fe Internment Camp (SFIC), which was once located here. The camp was created during World War II to house Japanese immigrant men. It was run by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
Starting in March 1942, over 4,500 Japanese men were moved here, mainly from the West Coast and Hawaii. This camp was one of the largest prison camps in America for resident aliens.
The camp initially housed Issei (Japanese immigrant) men who had been arrested right after Pearl Harbor. Soon after the camp opened, these men were allowed hearings and were either paroled to other camps or released. The camp closed in September 1942.
It was reopened in March 1943, and the INS began moving more civilian internees into the camp. By the time the camp was closed in May 1946, it had housed 4,555 Japanese Americans throughout its operation.
Historical Marker Inscription
Department of Justice
Santa Fe Interment Camp
At this site, due east and below the hill, 4555 men of Japanese ancestry were incarcerated in a Department of Justice Internment Camp from March 1942 to April 1946. Most were excluded by law from becoming United States citizens and were removed primarily from the West Coast and Hawaii.
During World War II, their loyalty to the United States was questioned. Many of the men held here without due process were long time resident religious leaders, businessmen, teachers, fishermen, farmers, and others. No person of Japanese ancestry in the U.S. was ever charged or convicted of espionage throughout the course of the war.
Many of the internees had relatives who served with distinction in the American Armed Forces in Europe and in the Pacific.
This marker is placed here as a reminder that history is a valuable teacher only if we do not forget our past.
Information about the camp may be found at the Fray Angélico ChávezHistory Library and Photographic Archives of the Palace at the Governors Museum or the New Mexico State Library.
Dedicated on April 20, 2002
