ICE ‘Death Cards’ in Colorado Spark Outrage and Rare DHS Condemnation

ICE agents in Colorado are under investigation after reports surfaced that Ace of Spades playing cards—long associated with death threats and intimidation—were left on cars after drivers and passengers were detained.

According to The Colorado Sun, family members who later retrieved vehicles abandoned along Highway 6 discovered the cards inside. Each card reportedly included contact information for the ICE detention center in Aurora, turning what might otherwise look like a calling card into something far more disturbing.

The Department of Homeland Security responded with an unusually direct rebuke. In a statement attributed to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s department, officials said ICE is investigating the incident and “unequivocally condemns this type of action and/or officer conduct.” The sharp language stood out, especially given DHS’s recent tendency to defend agents even before internal reviews are complete.

Colorado Democrats quickly amplified the report, calling the practice “disgusting” and accusing ICE of psychological intimidation. The symbolism matters: the Ace of Spades has a long, dark history as a so-called “death card,” dating back to the Vietnam War and later adopted by extremist and white supremacist groups.

Advocacy organizations noted that, unlike mass operations seen elsewhere, ICE activity in Colorado so far appears more targeted. Alex Sánchez of Voces Unidas said agents seem to be searching for specific individuals rather than carrying out broad raids—aligning with the Trump administration’s stated deportation strategy.

Terrorífico,

Los matones del ICE están dejando cartas con el as de espadas en vehículos para amedrentar a los inmigrantes. Esta práctica racista era habitual en Vietnam, donde los estadounidenses marcaban a los asesinados con la «carta de la muerte».https://t.co/zJlPPtBBIq

— Héctor B. M. (@uprazhneniye) January 25, 2026

Still, the image of death cards left behind has ignited backlash nationwide, raising fresh questions about enforcement culture, accountability, and how far intimidation has crept into immigration operations.

This is disgusting on so many levels. Families of those arrested by ICE near Vail say agents left behind branded “death cards” after arrests, a racist intimidation tactic, according to advocates and community leaders.

Our communities deserve better, and we await the results of… pic.twitter.com/pGWlJG662k

— Colorado Dems 🇺🇸 (@coloradodems) January 24, 2026

personally i would suggest this character is obsessed with Duvall in the "Apocalypse Now" beach scene. Especially walking through the "k mart" with his camera crew.
not funny, but soooo funny.
if he begins handing out "death cards" we'll know we've nailed it.#yeg #yegcc #newyork https://t.co/M6G24mETZz pic.twitter.com/tkhWc9ujVN

— Bob Ligertwood gr 9, truck driver (@BobLigertwood) January 25, 2026