On Tuesday, June 10th, residents of Shreveport were caught off guard when they encountered an unexpected traffic checkpoint in the 100 block of Southfield Road.
The Shreveport Police had announced the checkpoint earlier, stating it would be a seatbelt safety checkpoint conducted from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the city’s eastern region. This initiative was funded by a Louisiana Highway Safety Commission grant.
However, what many didn’t expect was the unannounced presence of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, which quickly became the focal point of social media discussions.
ICE Agents at the Checkpoint – Was It Just a Routine Seatbelt Stop?
Many Shreveport residents took to social media, claiming that ICE agents were actively involved in the traffic stops, a detail that wasn’t mentioned in the Shreveport Police Department’s official announcement.
This raised immediate concerns and confusion, as the public began questioning whether the checkpoint was truly a simple seatbelt safety operation or if it had evolved into something else – an unannounced ICE checkpoint in the heart of the city.
The situation intensified as images of unmarked grey SUVs, reportedly driven by ICE agents, began circulating on social media. These photos were shared rapidly by residents who had found themselves caught in the checkpoint, further fueling the debate.
Shreveport Police Department Responds
In response to the growing concerns, Shreveport Police Department’s Public Safety Officer Chris Bordelon clarified the situation. Bordelon explained, “Today, the Shreveport Police Department conducted a seatbelt safety checkpoint in the 100 block of Southfield Road. During the operation, multiple vehicles were screened, resulting in the issuance of approximately 100 citations for various violations.”
When questioned about the presence of ICE, Bordelon stated, “While ICE personnel were present during a portion of the checkpoint, their involvement was strictly limited to cases where individuals were found to be in violation of state law.
At no point were stops conducted based on race, gender, or national origin. The Shreveport Police Department remains committed to fair and impartial enforcement of the law, with a primary focus on ensuring public safety.”