Federal authorities set up a temporary border checkpoint on Interstate 89 south in Lebanon Thursday. Our Adam Sullivan drove through the checkpoint and shows you what he found.

The stops have been controversial because of the growing debate over immigration policy nationwide. We wanted to see what would happen when we went through, so our Adam Sullivan took a drive through to see for himself.

According to the U.S. border patrol, immigration checkpoints are a vital tool for the nation's security efforts. The checkpoints can be set up anywhere within 100 miles of a border.

This one was located on Interstate-89 in Lebanon. As drivers go through, agents ask one simple question: Are you a United States citizen?

I went through the Lebanon checkpoint during the lunch hour Thursday.

Reporter Adam Sullivan: How are you doing? I'm recording this conversation.

Border Patrol Agent: United States citizen?

Adam Sullivan: Am I required to answer that, sir?

Border Patrol Agent: United States citizen?

Adam Sullivan: I'm just wondering if I'm required?

Border Patrol Agent: Pull over behind those guys.

According to a Border Patrol spokesperson, anyone who refuses to answer the question can be detained for a "reasonable amount of time," like I was, until the agent can make a determination regarding the occupant's immigration status.

After a second Border Patrol agent approached my vehicle, I gave him my name and identified myself as a WCAX employee.

Border Patrol Agent: We actually have our PIO guys here. If you answer the question, I will send you right over to them.

Adam Sullivan: All I need to know is am I required to answer the question? I'm happy to answer the question, I just want to know.

Border Patrol Agent: Well, you told me your name, so I can find out your status. You're not required to answer.

Some say the checkpoints lead to racial profiling and are a violation of a person's constitutional rights.

Just north of the Lebanon checkpoint, two women held a sign on the overpass.

"Making sure that immigrants are safe and so we are putting up a sign warning immigrants to take the next exit if they need to," said Asma Elhuni of Hartford.

A spokesperson for the Border Patrol declined to speak on camera but referred me to a statement that says policy prohibits consideration of race or ethnicity in "all but the most exceptional circumstances."

"They have the legal authority right now to do what they are doing. Hopefully, they would do it when there is credible evidence that there is some illegal activity going on," said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire. "I think it is very important that we protect the rights of New Hampshire's citizens and American citizens in general."

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, has advocated for moving the checkpoints farther north saying they intrude on privacy.