DHS Investigating Reports ICE Agents Left "Death Cards" After Colorado Detentions

The Department of Homeland Security says it's investigating reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents left behind so-called "death cards" after detaining people in Colorado.

According to immigration advocates, families of people detained along Highway 6 in the Eagle-Vail Valley recently found the cards when retrieving vehicles after traffic stops. The cards are aces of spades printed with "ICE Denver Field Office" and an address pointing to the immigration detention center in Aurora—similar to psychological warfare cards U.S. soldiers left on the bodies of Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

"It's sickening. It's disgusting," said Alex Sanchez of Voces Unidas. "This is not dignified law enforcement... It doesn't matter if you're Republican, Democrat or unaffiliated—if you're American, if you're a Coloradan, if you are a human being and you see this type of hate and these types of practices, it begs the question, why?"

In a statement to NBC affiliate KUSA, a DHS spokesperson condemned the cards: "ICE is investigating this situation but condemns this type of action and officer conduct. Once notified, ICE supervisors acted swiftly to address the issue. The ICE Office of Professional Responsibility will conduct a thorough investigation and will take appropriate and swift action."

It's unclear how many cards were distributed or how many families were affected. DHS has not disclosed whether any agents have been disciplined or when the investigation is expected to conclude.