Ambassador Bridge Reopens In Detroit After Week Of Protest

DETROIT — The Ambassador Bridge reopened on both sides of the border Sunday night after Canadian truckers shut it down by blocking traffic for seven days to protest the country's latest COVID-19 restrictions, The Detroit International Bridge Company announced.

The standoff at the bridge came to an end Sunday night when Windsor Police made several arrests and towed multiple vehicles that were used in the demonstration. The protesters that were arrested by police were charged with mischief.

The arrests came after the Providence of Ontario declared a state of emergency Friday, in which Premier of Ontario Doug Ford said he will use legal authorities and "take whatever steps necessary to make sure the border is reopened."

"Let me be crystal clear: It is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure," Ontario Premier Doug Ford tweeted Sunday. "Fines for noncompliance will be severe, with a maximum penalty of $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment."

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday called the reopening "a win for Michigan's working families."

"I want to thank the unified coalition of business leaders and organizations representing working men and women on both sides of the border for coming together to get this resolved," Whitmer said in a statement released early Monday. "And I appreciate the U.S. and Canadian governments for hearing Michigan’s concerns loud and clear and stepping up to reopen the bridge."

As one of the busiest International crossings in the country, the automotive industry suffered during the protests as plants various automakers on both sides of the border temporarily shut down or reduced production.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also warned that similar trucker protests could spill over into the United States, in which the truckers could block major roads and creating traffic jams.

The truckers' protests began in defiance to a new Canadian government COVID-19 restriction, which requires that all truckers crossing the U.S.-Canada border must be vaccinated against COVID-19.