Police in riot gear block trucker protest area on U.S.-Canada border

(WINDSOR, Ontario) — Protesters are planted about 100 feet from the foot of the entry to the Ambassador Bridge over the U.S.-Canadian border on Saturday. The number of protestors at the scene has grown to about 300 people.

Canadian police remain at the scene, New protestors are arriving on the scene and police are not pushing them back, despite doing so earlier.

Earlier on Saturday, Canadian police had blocked off the area surrounding the bridge and surrounded a group of about 100 protesters at the foot of the bridge. All protester trucks are gone from the base of the bridge.

Police dressed in riot gear lined up on all sides with vehicles, forming blockades boxing all in. Buses are parked nearby and there are some military vehicles in the area, authorities said.

Canadian police on Saturday blocked off the area surrounding the Ambassador Bridge over the U.S.-Canadian border and surrounded a group of about 100 protesters at the foot of the bridge. All protestor trucks are gone from the base of the bridge.

Police dressed in riot gear lined up on all sides with vehicles, forming blockades boxing all in. Buses are parked nearby and there are some military vehicles in the area, authorities said.

Canadian police announced on Saturday that they have “commenced enforcement” at and near the bridge.

“We urge all demonstrators to act lawfully & peacefully. Commuters are still being asked to avoid the areas affected by the demonstrations at this time,” Windsor police said in a tweet Saturday morning.

The Windsor Police & its policing partners have commenced enforcement at and near the Ambassador Bridge. We urge all demonstrators to act lawfully & peacefully. Commuters are still being asked to avoid the areas affected by the demonstrations at this time.

— Windsor Police (@WindsorPolice) February 12, 2022

“We are providing notice that anyone blocking streets or assisting others in the blocking of streets may be committing a criminal offence and must immediately cease further unlawful activity or you may face charges. You could be arrested if you are a party to the offence or assisting others in the direct or indirect commission of this offence,” Windsor Police said in a statement on Friday. 

“Charges and/or convictions related to the unlawful activity associated with the demonstration may lead to denial in crossing the USA border,” Windsor police warned.

New York Gov. Kathy Hocul visited an interagency command center in Buffalo to asses the situation, according to her office

“We are ready to address any potential travel and commerce disruptions, and also ensure we can protect everyone’s right to peaceful protest,” she said in a statement.

In Ottawa, police made 26 arrests on Saturday in relation to criminal charges at ongoing anti-vaccine mandate protests and they “have a plan to end this unlawful occupation and await the necessary reinforcements to do so,” the Ottawa Police Service said in a statement.

“Overnight, demonstrators exhibited aggressive behaviour towards law enforcement including refusing to follow directions, overwhelming officers, and otherwise subverting enforcement efforts. All available officers were deployed last night,” Ottawa Police Service said. “We continue to monitor events across the province and adjust plans locally.”

Two additional public intoxication arrests were made, police said.

ABC News’ Ahmad Hemingway and Zach Fannin contributed to this report.

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