An immigrant rights organisation in Colorado has made serious allegations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), claiming that agency agents left what they describe as "racist" ace of spades playing cards inside the vehicles of individuals they detained. The advocacy group Voces Unidas states that the cards, which bear the name, address, and telephone number of the ICE Denver field office, were discovered by families of those detained last week.
Symbolism and Historical Context
Voces Unidas has drawn a stark comparison between the discovered cards and the notorious "death cards" utilised by American soldiers during the Vietnam War for psychological warfare. In a strongly worded statement, the group asserted that the ace of spades carries a long and troubling history as an instrument of intimidation, later adopted by white supremacist organisations to demean people of colour.
Deliberate Harassment Alleged
The organisation contends that the placement of these cards was not a random act but a calculated form of psychological harassment. "ICE’s decision to leave this card behind after targeting Latino workers through fake traffic stops was not incidental. It was deliberate," the statement reads, adding that the action is fundamentally about instilling fear and exerting control rather than ensuring public safety.
Alex Sanchez, the CEO and president of Voces Unidas, expressed profound disgust at the incident. He labelled it a deliberate act of intimidation rooted in a history of racial violence and a clear abuse of governmental power that contradicts societal values of human dignity.
Official Response and Investigation
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the situation is under active investigation. The spokesperson stated that ICE "unequivocally condemns this type of action and/or officer conduct." The agency has pledged that its Office of Professional Responsibility will conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate, swift action based on the findings. ICE supervisors reportedly acted quickly to address the issue once they were notified.
Broader Scrutiny on ICE Tactics
This incident emerges amidst ongoing and intense scrutiny of ICE's operational methods across the United States. Particular focus has been on Minneapolis, where federal immigration agents have been involved in the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens this month alone. In a related development, President Donald Trump dispatched border czar Tom Homan to oversee ICE operations in Minnesota, even as the White House maintains its confidence in Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The Independent has reached out to Voces Unidas for further comment on the developing situation. The advocacy group's claims highlight persistent tensions and concerns regarding the conduct and accountability of federal immigration enforcement agencies.
