ICE left racist death cards to intimidate Latinos in Eagle County

This week in Eagle County, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) crossed a clear and dangerous line. After detaining nine Latino community members, ICE agents left ace of spades cards—widely known as the “death card”—inside the abandoned vehicles. The cards, later found by family members, clearly identify ICE’s Denver Field Office.

Photo provided by a family

The ace of spades has a long history as a tool of intimidation, from psychological warfare during the Vietnam War to its adoption by white supremacist groups to demean people of color. ICE’s decision to leave this card behind after targeting Latino workers through fake traffic stops was not incidental. It was deliberate psychological harassment. This is not about public safety. It is about fear and control.

“We are disgusted by ICE’s actions in Eagle County,” said Alex Sánchez, president and CEO of Voces Unidas. “Leaving a racist death card behind after targeting Latino workers is deliberate intimidation rooted in a long history of racial violence. This is an abuse of power, and it has no place in any society that claims to value human dignity.”

This moment requires leadership. Every elected official and local law enforcement leader serving Eagle County must publicly denounce these actions. Silence is not neutrality. It is complicity.

Voces Unidas condemns this racist and abusive conduct in the strongest possible terms.

We urge community members to remain vigilant and to continue sharing verified information with Voces Unidas and trusted networks. Document and report ICE activity when it is safe to do so.

Follow our work at www.vocesunidas.org/immigration.

Photo Credit: Voces Unidas