Update: 1 PM Tuesday: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police say that they have begun an enforcement operation to end the border blockade.
This operation could include arrests, although protesters were still given the the chance to leave peacefully.
This comes after negotiations with protesters to try and find a peaceful resolution to end the blockade of the Montana/Alberta border on Monday yielded no results.
The truckers have been in a standstill on Canadian Highway 4, located just north of the U.S. Port of Sweetgrass and Canadian Port of Coutts, since Saturday as they protest Canadian COVID regulations.
The Canadian Border Services Agency has closed the port into Alberta to inbound traffic, while the Sweetgrass port is open to traffic entering the U.S., but the ability to reach the crossing continues to be impeded by the Highway Closure.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has called for an end to the blockade, saying those involved are violating traffic laws, adding that police and prosecutors have the ability to take action if they deem it appropriate.
The public is asked to stay clear of the area, as traffic remains immobile.
People planning travel to or from Canada are urged to seek an alternate route, as it is unclear when the road will reopen.
Expect potential delays at alternate entry points due to increased traffic.
SWEETGRASS, Mont. (NMB) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection is continuing to advise the traveling public of travel delays due to the closure of Canadian Highway 4, just north of the Sweetgrass border crossing into Alberta.
Although the port of Sweetgrass, which is the only 24/7 entry point between Montana and Alberta, is open, the Highway north of the border crossing has been closed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
This is due to a massive vehicle blockade of people protesting Canadian COVID regulations. The Canadian Government recently implemented a rule requiring all truckers to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or take a PCR test and quarantine. It is unclear when the road will be reopened to traffic.
If you are currently traveling or planning international travel into Canada, CBP encourages travelers to seek an alternate route into Canada.
Sweetgrass Port Director Mark W. Hanson told New Media Broadcasters on Monday afternoon that the situation remains at a standstill. The port remains open and they are processing arrivals to the U.S. as they come, but traffic is unable to access the Canadian Highway just north of the port. Hanson says safety remains their number one priority, and they encourage people traveling to continue seeking an alternate route until the situation is resolved.
Hanson said that Sweetgrass is the only Port that has been impacted.
