Story perspectives

Racist Cards Found in ICE Detainees' Cars Spark Outrage

1/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Voces Unidas, a Colorado advocacy group, found racist ace of spades cards in cars of people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that listed the ICE Denver field office’s address and phone number.
CEO Alex Sanchez condemned the act as deliberate psychological harassment and likened it to Vietnam War intimidation tactics.
The report follows scrutiny of ICE tactics after two U.S. citizens were shot by federal agents in Minnesota.

History

Historical Context

The Vietnam War (1955-1975) saw the U.S. employ controversial psychological tactics, including the Phoenix Program, aimed at dismantling Viet Cong infrastructure through intimidation and violence. In 1970, public protests against these methods intensified, reflecting widespread discontent with military actions. Recent revelations of racist ace of spades cards used by ICE echo these historical intimidation tactics, raising concerns about civil rights in contemporary immigration enforcement.

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Story summary

Voces Unidas, a Colorado advocacy group, found racist ace of spades cards in cars of people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that listed the ICE Denver field office’s address and phone number.
CEO Alex Sanchez condemned the act as deliberate psychological harassment and likened it to Vietnam War intimidation tactics.
The report follows scrutiny of ICE tactics after two U.S. citizens were shot by federal agents in Minnesota.

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