ICE Agents Accused of Leaving 'Death Cards' in Detainees' Vehicles

Lawmakers call for investigation into alleged intimidation tactics by immigration officials

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:47pm

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been accused of leaving 'death cards' with information for the Denver field office inside the abandoned vehicles of people who were detained in Eagle County, Colorado. The cards, designed to look like an ace of spades, have a history of being used in psychological warfare. Lawmakers in Colorado are calling for an investigation into the matter, condemning the alleged intimidation tactics.

Why it matters

The use of 'death cards' by ICE agents raises concerns about the agency's treatment of detainees and the potential for abuse of power. The cards are seen as a form of psychological warfare and intimidation, which could further erode trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.

The details

According to reports, the cards were found by family members after ICE detained 10 Latino community members and left them in the abandoned vehicles. The cards contain the address and phone number for the ICE processing center in Aurora. The ace of spades is sometimes known as the 'death card' and has a history of being used in psychological warfare, including by U.S. troops during the Vietnam War.

  • The cards were discovered last month by family members after the detentions.
  • On Monday, several Colorado lawmakers sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security requesting a response by February 13.

The players

Voces Unidas de las Montañas

A local nonprofit organization and advocacy group for the Latino community in Eagle County, Colorado.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Joe Neguse

U.S. Congressman representing Colorado's 2nd congressional district.

John Hickenlooper

U.S. Senator from Colorado.

Michael Bennet

U.S. Senator from Colorado.

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What they’re saying

“These outrageous, aggressive intimidation tactics are meant to stoke fear among our neighbors, and it is immoral and wrong. This administration must be held accountable, and we cannot allow this to continue unchecked.”

— Joe Neguse, U.S. Congressman (Press release)

“Now, imagine — just for a second — that you haven't heard from your brother, your sister, and when you finally find their empty, abandoned car, it has one of these 'death cards' sitting in the driver's seat. I mean, this is cruelty for the sake of cruelty. And it fits into the troubling pattern that we're seeing come from some of the top officials in the White House.”

— John Hickenlooper, U.S. Senator (Senate floor speech)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has stated that the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and take appropriate action.

The takeaway

The alleged use of 'death cards' by ICE agents raises serious concerns about the agency's treatment of detainees and the potential for abuse of power. This incident underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability within immigration enforcement to ensure that the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected.