Colorado Lawmakers Demand Answers Over ICE “Death Cards” and Alleged Fake Traffic Stops
A Disturbing Discovery Sparks Outrage
Democratic lawmakers in Colorado are calling for immediate answers and accountability following deeply troubling reports about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in their state. The controversy centers around two alarming practices: the placement of so-called “death cards” in the vehicles of detained individuals and accusations that immigration agents conducted fake traffic stops using unmarked vehicles equipped with sirens. In January, family members of people detained in Eagle County made a chilling discovery when they found ace of spades cards left behind in their loved ones’ vehicles. These weren’t ordinary playing cards—they were marked with “ICE Denver Field Office” along with the address and phone number of the ICE detention facility in Aurora. The imagery and symbolism of these cards immediately raised concerns about intimidation tactics and the professional conduct of federal immigration enforcement agents operating in Colorado communities.
The Dark Historical Context of the “Death Cards”
The use of ace of spades cards as calling cards carries a particularly sinister historical significance that makes their appearance in this context all the more disturbing. According to historians, this practice traces back to the Vietnam War era, when Company C, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry of the U.S. military would leave these cards as psychological warfare tools. The cards were placed at village entrances and exits where Viet Cong members had been killed, along trails, and sometimes directly on the bodies of deceased enemy combatants. The intent was clear: to instill fear and send a message of dominance and power. The fact that ICE agents would adopt this historically loaded symbol—one associated with death, intimidation, and military psychological operations—to mark their enforcement activities against immigrant communities has sparked outrage among civil rights advocates and elected officials alike. The parallel between wartime psychological tactics and modern immigration enforcement has raised serious questions about the culture within certain ICE offices and the training and supervision of agents in the field.
Official Response and Promises of Investigation
When the “death card” incidents came to light, ICE issued a statement attempting to distance the agency from the practice while acknowledging its occurrence. The agency stated that it “is investigating this situation, but unequivocally condemns this type of action and/or officer conduct,” adding that “once notified, ICE supervisors acted swiftly to address the issue.” However, this response has done little to satisfy concerned lawmakers and community advocates who are demanding more than just words of condemnation. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE operations, has also committed to investigating the incidents. While officials have condemned the use of these cards, many questions remain unanswered about how such a practice could have developed and continued without immediate detection and intervention by supervisory personnel. The incident has highlighted concerns about accountability mechanisms within ICE and whether the agency’s internal culture adequately prioritizes professional standards and respect for the communities it serves.
Lawmakers Unite to Demand Accountability
On Monday, Colorado’s congressional delegation came together to formally demand answers from the highest levels of the Department of Homeland Security. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, along with Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen, submitted a strongly worded letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. In their letter, the lawmakers made clear that the alleged conduct falls far below acceptable standards for federal law enforcement. “It is unacceptable and dangerous for federal law enforcement to use this symbol to intimidate Latino communities,” the Colorado representatives wrote. “This behavior undermines public trust in law enforcement, raises serious civil rights concerns, and falls far short of the professional standards expected of federal agents.” The unified front presented by Colorado’s Democratic lawmakers reflects the seriousness with which they view these allegations and their determination to ensure that federal immigration enforcement operations in their state are conducted with professionalism, transparency, and respect for civil rights.
Allegations of Fake Traffic Stops Add to the Controversy
Beyond the “death cards,” the lawmakers’ letter also addressed equally concerning allegations brought to public attention by Voces Unidas, an immigration advocacy group. According to reports shared with CBS Colorado, ICE agents were using unmarked vehicles equipped with sirens to conduct what appeared to be routine traffic stops. The problem, according to advocates and now echoed by lawmakers, is that these weren’t legitimate traffic stops at all—they were immigration enforcement operations disguised as routine traffic enforcement. “We are deeply concerned by the allegations that the federal agents were utilizing sirens to falsely act as local law enforcement,” the lawmakers wrote. “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. Federal agents acting in disguise as local law enforcement is misconduct and should be treated as such.” This practice raises significant legal and ethical questions about the methods ICE agents are employing to detain individuals. When people see flashing lights and hear sirens in their rearview mirror, they reasonably believe they are being pulled over by local or state police for a traffic violation—something they are legally obligated to comply with. Using this expectation to conduct immigration enforcement operations not only potentially violates people’s rights but also erodes trust between immigrant communities and legitimate local law enforcement agencies that depend on community cooperation to keep everyone safe.
Demands for Transparency and Accountability
The Colorado lawmakers didn’t stop at simply expressing concern—they laid out specific, concrete demands for accountability and transparency. Their letter to Secretary Noem requested four key actions: first, a formal and detailed briefing on ICE activities specifically in Eagle County where the incidents occurred; second, a written report detailing the findings of the ongoing Department of Homeland Security investigation into the “death card” incident; third, an independent investigation by the DHS Office of Inspector General into the activities of the Denver Field Office, which oversees ICE operations in Eagle County; and fourth, written confirmation of any disciplinary or corrective actions taken against agents involved in these incidents. The lawmakers set a deadline of February 13 for Secretary Noem to respond to their requests. As of the time of reporting, CBS Colorado had reached out to both ICE and DHS for responses regarding the alleged fake traffic stops but had not received any reply. The silence from federal agencies on this specific aspect of the allegations has only heightened concerns among community advocates and lawmakers alike. The situation in Colorado reflects broader national debates about immigration enforcement practices, the balance between enforcement and civil rights, and the crucial importance of maintaining professional standards and accountability in federal law enforcement agencies. For the immigrant communities affected by these alleged practices, the stakes couldn’t be higher—their sense of safety, their trust in institutions, and their fundamental rights hang in the balance as this investigation unfolds.
