Third US-Canada border crossing blocked by ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests

A third border crossing between the U.S. and Canada has been blocked by the “Freedom Convoy” protest by truck drivers in Canada. 

“A demonstration involving a large number of vehicles & farm equipment is blocking the Emerson Port of Entry,” the Royal Canadian Mountain Police in Manitoba tweeted Thursday morning, referring to the border to North Dakota. 

“No traffic is getting through either northbound or southbound. The Port of Entry is shut down. Please avoid the area. #rcmpmb is on scene,” it added. 

It is the third day of protests as truckers rally against COVID-19 vaccine mandates that have been implemented in Canada. 

Police in Ottawa said Wednesday people could be arrested without a warrant for blocking traffic.

“The unlawful act of blocking streets in the downtown core is resulting in people being denied the lawful use, enjoyment and operation of their property,” the department said. “We are providing you notice that anyone blocking streets or assisting others in the blocking of streets may be committing a criminal offence.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also decried the protests that have disrupted some industries, with auto manufactures having to scale back or halt operations due to the delays. 

The protests have fueled demonstrations in other countries against COVID-19 mandates, with authorities warning the U.S. could see similar disruptions soon.