NEW HAMPSHIRE — U.S. Border Patrol agents have conducted two immigration checkpoints in New Hampshire so far this year and four more are reportedly planned. Checkpoints in May and June in Woodstock on Interstate 93 netted 22 arrests and agents also seized drugs including marijuana, marijuana edibles and marijuana-infused vape oil from motorists. Those arrested on immigration charges are from countries including Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Ukraine and all were set for deportation.

"Checkpoint operations are a critical enforcement tool for the enforcement of our immigration laws and are a part of our defense in depth strategy," U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agent Robert Garcia said in a statement. "In addition to technology, manpower and intelligence, checkpoints help to deny access to major routes of egress away from the border and into our communities in the interior of the U.S."

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire opposes the checkpoints.

"For a state that prides itself on being welcoming to all, these checkpoints tell a very different story, one of discrimination and dismissal of our constitutional rights and values," the group said in a statement. "As Americans, we are at risk of losing our fundamental rights and freedoms — including the right to simply go about our business free from government interference, harassment, and abuse." The ACLU said it learned Border Patrol are planning up to four more New Hampshire immigration checkpoints. Another immigration checkpoint held last month in Bangor, Maine, netted one arrest. Border patrol officials told CNN the New Hampshire and Maine checkpoints were aimed at "smuggling organizations."

Border Patrol officials issued this statement to CNN about motorists' rights during checkpoints: "Travelers have the right to remain silent. Travelers who cooperate are passed through quickly, unless the agent suspects they are in violation of federal law. Travelers who refuse to cooperate may be referred to a secondary examination area to allow agents to conduct additional questioning to determine the traveler's citizenship or residency."

The ACLU said agents have been telling motorists they are "required" to answer questions about their immigration status.

"(Border Patrol) officials also told individuals that, if they did not answer questions, they would be indefinitely detained until they agreed to answer," the ACLU's statement continued. "This too is not only a legally inaccurate statement, but it flies in the face of the Fourth Amendment and the cases interpreting it ... If a person refuses to comply and CBP cannot promptly determine the person's immigration status, CBP must immediately release that person. CBP should cease its practice immediately of lying about the law and what is required in order to coerce compliance."