Detroit police block access Saturday afternoon. (Photo: Allan Lengel)
► Saturday afternoon updates: As noon approached, the pickup and semis were gone from the Ambassador Bridge, but hundreds of demonstrators remained on foot to protest despite the large police presence, the Detroit Free Press reports.
The bridge remained closed for traffic. So far, things have been peaceful.
Active enforcement in relation to parking in the area of the protest is commencing. Vehicles are being ticketed and towed.
— Windsor Police (@WindsorPolice) February 12, 2022
► Update, Saturday morning: Canadian authorities have begun enforcement of an Ontario judge's order to use police action to unclog the Ambassador Bridge blockade.
In a tweet after 8 a.m. this morning, the Windsor Police stated:
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.
A 10:30 a.m. update added:
No arrests at this time. We appreciate the cooperation of the demonstrators at this time and we will continue to focus on resolving the demonstration peacefully.
Fox 2 reports that so far the removal of protesters has been peaceful. WDIV reports that many demonstrators drove away from the Ambassador Bridge as scores of police approached.
Twitter users are posting videos of the protest clearance, which appears to be proceeding peacefully. One shows police slowly advancing in a line, without nightstick or riot shields.
— Katerina Georgieva (@KatGeorgieva) February 12, 2022
On Friday, an Ontario provincial judge granted an injunction to end the protest at 7 p.m., but those blocking the bridge remained defiant.
