Hickenlooper, Bennet, DeGette, Neguse, Crow, Pettersen Condemn Racist “Death Cards,” Request Independent Investigation, Full Briefing

WASHINGTON - Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper led his colleagues Senator Michael Bennet and Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen to condemn the reports that families in Eagle County, Colorado found "death cards" left in the cars of family members taken by ICE agents. The lawmakers called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General to open an investigation and requested a full DHS briefing on the incidents and steps taken to prevent further intimidation of Latino communities.

"It is unacceptable and dangerous for federal law enforcement to use this symbol to intimidate Latino communities," wrote the Colorado lawmakers. "This behavior undermines public trust in law enforcement, raises serious civil rights concerns, and falls far short of the professional standards expected of federal agents."

The "death cards" have a history of being used by white supremacist groups to intimidate people of color. These specific cards found in Colorado had the address and phone number of the Aurora ICE detention facility printed on them.

Last week, Hickenlooper took to the Senate floor to condemn the racist "death cards," blast ICE's lawlessness, and denounce the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. He also voted against the DHS funding bill because it failed to overhaul ICE.

Full text of the letter available HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Noem,

We are writing regarding disturbing reports about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in Eagle County, Colorado. Reportedly, ICE agents in unmarked vehicles with attached sirens conducted imitation traffic stops and ultimately detained ten Latino individuals who are now being held at the Aurora Detention Facility. Additionally, according to multiple news reports and local community organizations, family members of the detained individuals found ace of spades cards inside multiple abandoned vehicles, printed with the address of the Aurora Detention Facility:

We are deeply concerned by the allegations that the federal agents were utilizing sirens to falsely act as local law enforcement. This behavior leads individuals to believe they are lawfully required to pull over for a traffic violation when in reality, the federal government has no authority over local or state traffic regulations. Federal agents acting in disguise as local law enforcement is misconduct and should be treated as such.

Moreover, the ace of spades card has long been known as the "death card" and has been used by white supremacist groups to inspire fear and threaten physical violence. It is unacceptable and dangerous for federal law enforcement to use this symbol to intimidate Latino communities. This behavior undermines public trust in law enforcement, raises serious civil rights concerns, and falls far short of the professional standards expected of federal agents.

We appreciate that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) condemned this conduct and directed the DHS Office of Professional Responsibility to investigate the incident. To ensure that ICE conducts operations in a professional manner that does not include racially-motivated intimidation tactics that undermine public trust in law enforcement, we request:

1. A formal and detailed briefing on ICE activities in Eagle County

1. A written report detailing the findings of the ongoing DHS investigation into the incident

1. An independent investigation by the DHS Office of Inspector General into the activities of the Denver Field Office, which oversees ICE activity in Eagle County

1. Written confirmation of any disciplinary or corrective actions taken

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We respectfully request a response by February 13.

Sincerely,

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