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After police stepped in Saturday, protesters in trucks and other vehicles left a bridge between the United States and Canada, marking a potential turning point in the fifth day of protests that have disrupted a crucial border trade crossing.

But as of Saturday afternoon, hundreds of protesters were walking around the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ontario, according to

 — a significant increase from the morning, when 

 were present. It was unclear when the bridge would reopen.

Throughout the week, hordes of truckers parked pickup and semis across the bridge, protesting Canada's COVID-19 vaccine mandate and additional public health precautions that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau implemented.

"Enforcement continuing, individuals who are located within the demonstration area are subject to arrest. People are advised to immediately vacate the area," Windsor police 

 it had "commenced enforcement" at the bridge.

The process of beginning to remove the truckers marks a change from Friday night when the crowds grew in size, 

On Friday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a 

 — signaling that any protesters arrested would be met with fines reaching $100,000 and could face up to a year in jail.

The order prompted Ontario Superior Court Chief Justice Geoffrey Morawetz to intervene, issuing an injunction that gave protesters until 7 p.m. Friday to leave without facing punishment.

But many truckers stayed, deciding to continue the blockade through the night. 

The Ambassador Bridge marks a key border crossing — 

The blockade has particularly worsened supply-chain problems and caused production delays across the auto industry. 

Major automakers, including General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, were forced to cancel shifts or reduce capacity at locations in Michigan and Ontario. 

 over the past weeks, including within the capital city of Ottawa and at U.S. border crossings in Alberta and Manitoba.

"I want to make something very clear," Trudeau said in an address Friday night. "The illegal blockades seeking to take our neighborhoods and our economy hostage, and that collective COVID fatigue we are facing, are two very separate things. If you joined the protests because you're tired of COVID, you now need to understand you're breaking laws. 


"We've heard your frustration with COVID, with the measures that are there to keep people safe," Trudeau added, "We've heard you. It's time to go home now."


Health

The Associated Press

Author

Demonstrators at the Ambassador Bridge had defied warnings to end a blockade that disrupted the flow of goods and forced the auto industry on both sides to roll back production.

Police work to remove protesters at the busiest crossing at the U.S.-Canada border

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