Following increased public controversy over ICE enforcement activities, a federal special agent has characterised vehicle stops as a necessary operational method that reduces unintended arrests of non-targets. The statement comes amid heightened scrutiny after recent officer-involved shooting incidents.

An immigration policy specialist from the Heritage Foundation has echoed the agency's position, arguing that vehicle stops serve an important function in deportation operations. The defence represents ICE's response to ongoing criticism of its enforcement tactics and their broader community impact.