Colorado Lawmakers Seek Answers Over Alleged Intimidation Tactics by ICE

On February 4, 2026, CBS Colorado reported that several Democratic lawmakers in Colorado are seeking clarification following accusations that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents left ‘death cards’ in vehicles of those detained. These accusations are paired with claims that ICE agents conducted fraudulent traffic stops.

In January, cards featuring the ace of spades, known as ‘death cards,’ were discovered in the cars of individuals detained in Eagle County. These cards bore the inscription ‘ICE Denver Field Office’ along with contact details of the ICE detention center in Aurora, alarming the detained individuals’ families who later found them.

Voces Unidas and various historians point out that using an ace of spades as an intimidation tactic dates back to the Vietnam War. During that time, it was reportedly used by Company C, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry, to mark areas after Viet Cong members were killed.

ICE responded by stating, ‘ICE is investigating this situation, but unequivocally condemns this type of action and/or officer conduct. Once notified, ICE supervisors acted swiftly to address the issue.’

In response, prominent Colorado politicians including Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, and Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen, penned a letter to Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, demanding an explanation.

They emphasized, ‘It is unacceptable and dangerous for federal law enforcement to use this symbol to intimidate Latino communities. 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 immigration advocacy group Voces Unidas informed CBS Colorado that some ICE agents mimicked police officers by using unmarked vehicles fitted with sirens to stage false traffic stops for detention purposes. The lawmakers noted, ‘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.’

Despite efforts, CBS Colorado has yet to receive a response from ICE and DHS regarding these allegations of false traffic stops.

Gratified by the Department of Homeland Security’s condemnation of the ‘death cards,’ the lawmakers requested full transparency and findings from the ongoing investigations. They stated, ‘To ensure that ICE conducts operations in a professional manner that does not include racially-motivated intimidation tactics that undermine public trust in law enforcement, we request:

1. A formal and detailed briefing on ICE activities in Eagle County
2. A written report detailing the findings of the ongoing DHS investigation into the incident
3. An independent investigation by the DHS Office of Inspector General into the activities of the Denver Field Office, which oversees ICE activity in Eagle County
4. Written confirmation of any disciplinary or corrective actions taken

The lawmakers have requested a response from Secretary Kristi Noem by February 13.