Canadian police began removing protesters from a major bridge linking Canada and the United States (USA) this Saturday (12), after more than 12 hours of the entry into force of a court order that ended a blockade that damaged international trade.
The Ambassador Bridge, the busiest land border crossing in North America, had its traffic blocked for the fifth day in a row this morning. About 15 trucks, cars and vans blocked traffic in both directions, hampering Detroit’s automakers’ supply chain.
“We urge all protesters to act legally and peacefully,” Windsor Police said in a Twitter post, urging passengers to avoid areas affected by the demonstrations.
Police officers in black uniforms with yellow vests formed a line at the entrance to the bridge and ordered the protesters to withdraw. The number of protesters dropped from around 200 on Friday night to around 24 early Saturday.
Protesters closest to the bridge were seen returning peacefully.
The “Free Train” protests, started in the capital Ottawa by Canadian truck drivers who oppose a vaccination or quarantine order for cross-border drivers, entered their 16th day on Saturday.
The protests inspired similar convoys and plans in the United States, France, New Zealand and Australia.