Colorado Delegation Demands DHS Probe ICE 'Death Cards' and Alleged Fake Traffic Stops

Six Democratic members of Colorado’s congressional delegation have sent a formal letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem after reports that ICE agents left 'death cards'—ace of spades cards printed with the ICE Denver Field Office name and the Aurora detention center’s address—in vehicles of people detained in Eagle County in January, and allegedly used unmarked cars with sirens to conduct fake traffic stops. ICE says it is investigating and has 'unequivocally' condemned the calling-card practice, which historians note echoes Vietnam‑era U.S. military intimidation tactics. The lawmakers call the cards 'unacceptable and dangerous' symbolism that intimidates Latino communities and say using sirens to mimic local police for immigration arrests would be misconduct because federal agents have no authority over traffic violations. They are demanding a detailed briefing on Eagle County operations, a written report on DHS’s internal probe, an independent DHS inspector‑general investigation of the Denver Field Office, and written confirmation of any discipline or corrective actions, with a response requested by Feb. 13. The case adds to mounting national scrutiny of ICE field tactics, particularly where federal officers are accused of blurring the line between civil immigration enforcement and routine policing.