Colorado Democrats Demand Answers on ICE "Death Cards" and Alleged Fake Traffic Stops

Lawmakers call for investigation into ICE agents' conduct in Eagle County

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A group of Colorado Democratic lawmakers, including Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen, have demanded answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after reports that "death cards" were left in the vehicles of people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and claims that ICE agents used fake traffic stops to detain individuals.

Why it matters

The alleged actions by ICE agents have raised serious concerns about civil rights violations, undermining of public trust in law enforcement, and the use of intimidation tactics against Latino communities in Colorado. The lawmakers are seeking a full investigation and transparency around any disciplinary or corrective actions taken.

The details

In January, ace of spades cards, or "death cards," were left in the vehicles of some people detained in Eagle County by ICE agents. The cards featured the ICE Denver Field Office's address and phone number. The practice of leaving an ace of spades as a calling card has historical ties to the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. ICE has condemned the use of these cards and said it is investigating the situation. Additionally, an immigration advocacy group has claimed that ICE agents used unmarked vehicles with sirens to conduct fake traffic stops in order to detain people, which the lawmakers say is misconduct and undermines public trust.

  • In January, "death cards" were left in the vehicles of some people detained in Eagle County.
  • On Monday, the Colorado lawmakers submitted a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem calling for answers.

The players

John Hickenlooper

U.S. Senator for Colorado.

Michael Bennet

U.S. Senator for Colorado.

Diana DeGette

U.S. Representative for Colorado's 1st congressional district.

Joe Neguse

U.S. Representative for Colorado's 2nd congressional district.

Jason Crow

U.S. Representative for Colorado's 6th congressional district.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Colorado Lawmakers (Letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem)

“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. Federal agents acting in disguise as local law enforcement is misconduct and should be treated as such.”

— Colorado Lawmakers (Letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem)

What’s next

The lawmakers have requested a formal briefing on ICE activities in Eagle County, a written report detailing the findings of the DHS investigation, an independent investigation by the DHS Office of Inspector General, and written confirmation of any disciplinary or corrective actions taken. The Secretary of Homeland Security has been asked to respond by February 13.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns around the conduct of federal immigration enforcement agencies, particularly in their interactions with Latino communities. The lawmakers are seeking transparency and accountability to ensure that ICE operations are carried out in a professional manner that does not involve intimidation tactics or civil rights violations.