ICE Agents Allegedly Left 'Death Cards' in Detainees' Vehicles

Lawmakers call for investigation into disturbing tactic used by immigration officials in Colorado

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been accused of leaving 'death cards' with their Denver field office information inside the abandoned vehicles of people who were detained in Eagle County, Colorado. The cards, which resemble an ace of spades playing card, have a history of being used in psychological warfare and are sometimes associated with white supremacist groups. Lawmakers from Colorado are demanding an investigation into this alleged tactic.

Why it matters

The use of these 'death cards' by ICE agents is seen as an intimidation tactic that stokes fear in immigrant communities. The cards' history of being associated with psychological warfare and white supremacy makes this an especially disturbing allegation against federal law enforcement. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the aggressive tactics used by the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts.

The details

According to a local nonprofit organization, Voces Unidas de las Montañas, the 'death cards' were found by family members after ICE detained 10 Latino community members in Eagle County and left them in abandoned vehicles. The cards contain the address and phone number for the ICE processing center in Aurora. A federal spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that ICE is investigating the matter and 'unequivocally condemns this type of action and/or officer conduct.'

  • In February 2026, lawmakers in Colorado called for an investigation after the alleged incident occurred.
  • Last month, the local nonprofit organization first reported finding the 'death cards' left in the abandoned vehicles.

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

A U.S. Congressman representing Colorado who condemned the alleged tactics as 'outrageous' and 'immoral.'

John Hickenlooper

A U.S. Senator from Colorado who denounced the use of 'death cards' on the Senate floor, calling it 'cruelty for the sake of cruelty.'

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security under the Trump administration.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As the son of immigrants and the father of two young children, I am horrified by the abuses being committed by the Trump administration — from the streets of Minneapolis to right here in Eagle County. 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. Lawmakers have requested a response from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem by February 13th.

The takeaway

This disturbing incident highlights the aggressive and intimidating tactics allegedly used by immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which have stoked fear in immigrant communities. It underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability of federal agencies charged with enforcing immigration laws.