Blaine truck crossing reopens after weekend protests, as RCMP reports 12 more arrests
Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Surrey, B.C., reported arresting 12 protesters Monday along the U.S.-Canada border near the truck crossing in Blaine. It also reported that vehicles and pedestrians are once again able to use the border crossing.
The 12 arrests Feb. 14 come after four others were arrested Sunday, Feb. 13, according to a RCMP release Tuesday, updating the current situation at the Pacific Highway Border crossing.
“Surrey RCMP along with policing partners have used a measured approach throughout this situation to ensure the safety of the police and the public, including young children who were brought to the area by protesters,” Surrey RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brian Edwards said in the Feb. 15 release. “Local residents and businesses in the area have been patient and supportive as we’ve worked towards a resolution, with public safety always remaining at the forefront.”
The demonstration was protesting Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, according to a Vancouver Sun story Tuesday.
Investigators continue to look into reported “unlawful activity” that allegedly occurred on Saturday, Feb. 12, according to the release.
The arrests made Monday began at approximately 8:30 p.m. after police started engaging the protesters, according to Tuesday’s release.
In addition to the arrests, the release stated that multiple vehicles that were blocking 176 Street were removed, allowing the road to reopen and vehicles to access the border crossing.
Access to the border crossing remained limited Monday after a weekend of protests required officials to divert traffic to other border crossings, according to a Squamish Chief story. WSDOT traffic cameras showed police blocking access to the truck crossing over the weekend, according to the story.
“There is a peaceful protest occurring at the Canadian Customs Truck crossing,” a Tweet Saturday by the Blaine Police Department stated. “As such, passenger vehicle traffic northbound at that crossing (Pacific highway) has been diverted to the Peace Arch crossing.”
Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine, as well as crossings on Guide Meridian and in Sumas and Point Roberts remained open.
