During 16 hours of reporting, MLK50 observed over a dozen traffic stops where drivers were pulled over for minor infractions like broken taillights and expired tags. None of these stops ended in arrests. The frequency of these patrols and stops contributed to a sense of surveillance and fear in the community. Immigrant families told MLK50 how they are now scared to leave their homes. One person described feeling scared during a traffic stop; others appeared so. For these residents, the Memphis Safe Task Force has decreased their sense of safety in the community.

A Tennessee Highway Patrol cruiser and a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency vehicle stopped a white car with driveout tags. Inside the car was a woman with her 3-year-old child in the back seat. The toddler peeked out the backseat window, eyes watching the blinking lights and line of vehicles behind them.

The woman was allowed to leave after officers gave her a citation and a court date because her temporary paper tags had expired.

"The task force is doing its job, and we have to accept it,” she said.

A bystander who observed the traffic stop from the gas station parking lot shared his own perspective.

“Do you think this is making a difference, them fucking with somebody?” he said. “Everybody is not a fucking criminal.”