ICE Agents Are Leaving 'Death Cards' During Raids - What Are They? Sen. Hickenlooper Reveals All

US Senator John Hickenlooper has exposed a disturbing practice by ICE agents in Colorado, where they allegedly leave 'death cards'—ace of spades playing cards printed with agency details—in the vehicles of detained immigrants. These ICE death cards, discovered by families in Eagle County last week, carry historical associations with racism and intimidation, dating back to the Vietnam War.

In a Senate speech on 29 January, Hickenlooper branded the tactic 'cruelty for the sake of cruelty', linking it to white supremacist methods and demanding accountability. The revelation has prompted a DHS probe, amid broader scrutiny of enforcement under the Trump administration.

Unpacking the 'Death Cards'

The cards in question are standard ace of spades, modified with 'ICE Denver Field Office' at the top, alongside the Aurora detention facility's address and phone number. Advocacy group Voces Unidas reported at least two such instances following detentions on 21 January, when nine Latino individuals were apprehended—eight via what the group calls fake traffic stops, and one while walking to a bus stop.

Families later found the cards in the abandoned cars, sparking fear and confusion. Alex Sánchez, Voces Unidas president, described it as 'deliberate intimidation rooted in a long history of racial violence'. Historically, the ace of spades earned its 'death card' moniker during the Vietnam War, when US troops left them on enemy bodies or trails as psychological warfare to instil dread.

Some units even printed decks solely of aces for this purpose, believing it exploited local superstitions. In modern contexts, the symbol has been adopted by white supremacist groups for similar menacing ends, amplifying concerns over its use by federal agents in immigrant communities.

Hickenlooper's Senate Outburst and Reform Demands

During his 29 January address, Hickenlooper held up one of the cards, declaring: 'These cards... have a history of being used by white supremacist groups to intimidate people of colour. Death cards is what they call them.' He tied the practice to recent ICE-related fatalities, including the shooting of Renee Good, a mother of three, on 7 January, and Alex Pretti, killed after ten shots in five seconds during a protest.

Hickenlooper accused the administration of spreading lies about Pretti, labelling him a terrorist despite video evidence showing otherwise. Earlier that day, he voted against a DHS funding bill, arguing it would hand billions to an agency terrorising communities. His proposed reforms include mandatory body cameras, unmasking agents, clear identification, and judicial warrants for arrests—standards he notes local police already follow when targeting violent criminals.

He also demanded DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's resignation, insisting leadership changes alone won't suffice without a 'fundamental overhaul' of ICE's 'lawlessness'. This echoes his prior efforts, such as oversight visits to ICE facilities and bills to bar enforcement at schools or hospitals.

Official Responses and Ongoing Scrutiny

DHS has condemned the cards, with ICE stating it 'unequivocally condemns this type of action' and confirming supervisors acted swiftly upon notification. The Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting a thorough investigation, promising 'appropriate and swift action'.

Yet Voces Unidas reports no direct contact from investigators, raising questions about the probe's depth. Colorado's Democratic delegation has echoed Hickenlooper's calls for Noem's removal and agency reforms. Amid national tensions over mass deportations, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser launched a complaint tool for federal agent misconduct.

The incidents fit a pattern critics attribute to aggressive policies under President Trump, with Noem defending operations as essential for removing 'dangerous criminal illegal aliens'. As of 3 February 2026, the investigation remains active, but Hickenlooper's disclosures have intensified debates over ICE death cards and the need for transparency in immigration enforcement.