Colorado Lawmakers Demand Answers on ICE ‘Death Cards’ and Traffic Stop Allegations

Updated on: February 4, 2026, by CBS Colorado

Some Democratic lawmakers in Colorado are seeking explanations following reports that ‘death cards’ were discovered in the vehicles of individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These concerns also extend to allegations that ICE agents conducted false traffic stops to detain individuals.

In January, ace of spades cards, or ‘death cards,’ were reportedly left in vehicles of detainees in Eagle County. These cards displayed the ace of spades and included details such as ‘ICE Denver Field Office’ along with the address and phone number of the ICE detention facility in Aurora. Family members of the detained individuals later found the cards.

This practice has historical roots; some historians point out that during the Vietnam War, the U.S. military left ace of spades cards as calling cards. Specifically, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry would place them at significant locations where suspected Viet Cong members were present, such as trail paths or on the bodies of slain members.

ICE released a statement noting, “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.”

Numerous Colorado officials, including Senator John Hickenlooper, Senator Michael Bennet, along with representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen, have officially called for answers from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. They emphasized the severity of using such symbols to intimidate Latino communities as it undermines trust in law enforcement, raises urgent civil rights issues, and does not align with expected professional standards.

The advocacy group Voces Unidas reported to CBS Colorado last month that ICE agents masqueraded as law enforcement officers using unmarked vehicles with sirens to execute false traffic stops. “We are deeply concerned by the allegations that federal agents used sirens to impersonate local law enforcement, causing individuals to wrongly believe they must comply with a traffic violation when, in fact, the federal government lacks authority over state or local traffic regulations,” the Colorado lawmakers stated. They described such actions as misconduct needing appropriate redress.

Although CBS Colorado reached out to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding these fake traffic stop allegations, no response has been received as of yet. Despite this, the lawmakers commended the DHS for condemning the ‘death cards’ practice and for initiating an investigation. They requested any findings be shared openly.

To ensure ICE operations align with professional standards and avoid racially motivated intimidation tactics that erode law enforcement credibility, the lawmakers requested the following:

• A formal, comprehensive briefing on ICE’s activities in Eagle County
• A written report on the findings from the ongoing DHS investigation
• An independent inquiry by the DHS Office of Inspector General into the actions of the Denver Field Office, which oversees ICE operations in Eagle County
• Confirmation of any disciplinary or corrective measures undertaken

The letter requests a response from Noem by February 13.