Democratic Lawmakers Demand Answers Over ICE Allegations In Colorado

Several Democratic lawmakers from Colorado are seeking explanations following reports that “death cards” were left in the vehicles of individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding claims that ICE agents conducted fake traffic stops to apprehend these individuals.

In January, some detainees in Eagle County discovered cards with an ace of spades, referred to as “death cards,” in their vehicles. These cards were marked with “ICE Denver Field Office” along with the address and phone number of the ICE detention facility located in Aurora. Family members of the detainees later found these cards.

The use of an ace of spades as a symbolic calling card has historical roots, dating back to the Vietnam War. At that time, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry of the U.S. military left such cards at locations associated with the Viet Cong, like village entrances and on the bodies of fallen members.

ICE responded to the situation, stating that they are investigating the matter and firmly condemning such actions or conduct by officers. Once informed, ICE supervisors reportedly took prompt action to address the issue.

On Monday, Colorado lawmakers, including Sen. John Hickenlooper, Sen. Michael Bennet, and Reps. Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen, penned a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem seeking answers. In their letter, they criticized the use of these symbols to intimidate Latino communities, stating that such actions erode public trust in law enforcement, pose significant civil rights concerns, and fail to meet the expected professional standards of federal agents.

Furthermore, the lawmakers shared their concerns over allegations made by the immigration advocacy group Voces Unidas. The group informed CBS Colorado about ICE agents allegedly impersonating local law enforcement by using unmarked vehicles with sirens to engage in fake traffic stops for detaining individuals.

“We are deeply concerned by the allegations that the federal agents were utilizing sirens to falsely act as local law enforcement,” the lawmakers emphasized. “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,” they urged.

CBS Colorado has reached out to both ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for responses regarding the alleged fake traffic stops, but has not yet received a reply.

The lawmakers commended the Department of Homeland Security for their condemnation of the “death cards” and their pledge to investigate the claims. They also requested that the findings from the investigation be disclosed.

To ensure that ICE conducts its operations professionally and without resorting to racially-charged intimidation tactics that undermine public confidence in law enforcement, the lawmakers demanded several actions:

• A formal and detailed briefing on ICE activities in Eagle County
• A written report detailing the findings of the ongoing DHS investigation into the incident
• 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
• Written confirmation of any disciplinary or corrective actions taken

The letter requests a response from Secretary Noem by February 13. The full content of the letter, detailing these concerns and requests, has been sent to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.