Lawmakers demand answers after reports of ICE leaving ‘death cards’ in Colorado
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have reportedly left so-called “death cards” behind after making arrests in Colorado. Now, Democratic lawmakers are demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security.
In January, reports surfaced that ICE agents were leaving ace of spades playing cards — labeled “ICE Denver Field Office” — inside vehicles after detaining individuals in Eagle County. Family members of detainees later discovered the cards.
The imagery has drawn particular scrutiny because of its historical association with the Vietnam War. During that time, U.S. troops would leave ace of spades cards in areas where Viet Cong fighters were killed. It’s symbol long viewed as intimidation.
After reports began circulating, ICE said it launched an internal review and denounced the practice.
“ICE is investigating this situation, but unequivocally condemns this type of action and/or officer conduct,” the agency said in a statement. “Once notified, ICE supervisors acted swiftly to address the issue.”
Democrats step in, condemn alleged fake traffic stops
Now, Colorado Democrats are pressing for further accountability. On Monday, Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, along with Reps. Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen, sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
They called the reported conduct “unacceptable and dangerous.”
The lawmakers said the use of the cards risks intimidating Latino communities and raises serious civil rights concerns. They wrote that it “falls far short of the professional standards expected of federal agents.”
The letter also raises alarms about separate allegations that ICE agents conducted fake traffic stops to detain individuals.
Voces Unidas made similar allegations to CBS, saying ICE agents imitated law enforcement officers by using unmarked vehicles with sirens.
“We are deeply concerned by the allegations that the federal agents were utilizing sirens to falsely act as local law enforcement. This behavior leads individuals to believe they are lawfully required to pull over for a traffic violation when, in reality, the federal government has no authority over local or state traffic regulations,” the lawmakers wrote. “Federal agents acting in disguise as local law enforcement is misconduct and should be treated as such.”
What Democrats are asking for
In their letter to Noem, the lawmakers requested the following:
- A formal and detailed briefing on ICE activities in Eagle County.
- A written report on DHS’s internal investigation.
- An independent investigation by the DHS Office of Inspector General into the Denver Field Office.
- Written confirmation of any disciplinary or corrective actions taken.
They asked Noem to respond by Feb. 13.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
