Ambassador Bridge Protest: Area Clear, Streets Reopened

DETROIT, MI — The protest zone occupied by the Freedom Convoy on and around the Ambassador Bridge linking Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit was cleared Sunday morning, and the bridge was reopened late Sunday, according to the Associated Press.

Windsor police cleared the remaining protesters blocking the busiest bridge between the United States and Canada, a blockade started by truckers speaking out against COVID-19 vaccine mandates in Canada. The bridge reopened to traffic at approximately 11 p.m. Eastern Time, according to a spokesperson from Detroit International Bridge Co.

Windsor Mayor Drew Kiklens had previously said Sunday that the bridge would remain closed until law enforcement determined it was safe to open it to traffic. Kiklens anticipated the bridge would open sometime Sunday.

During the removal of protesters, 12 people were arrested and seven cars towed, Windsor police said.

The automotive industry suffered during the protests as plants various automakers on both sides of the border temporarily shut down or reduced production. Ambassador Bridges carries approximately 25 percent of trade between the two countries.

The Providence of Ontario declared a state of emergency Friday in order to take measures to reopen the border. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also said Friday she was communicating with federal officials on how to resolve the blockade.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin to law enforcement agencies across the country last week indicating similar protests and blockades are expected in the United States soon, potentially even impacting the Super Bowl.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.