Statement by White House Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall

We are working closely with our Canadian counterparts to end the blockade of key bridges and crossings between the United States and Canada and to restore vital commerce between our two nations.  Following the President’s video teleconference with Prime Minister Trudeau on Friday, I spoke with Canadian National Security and Intelligence Advisor Jody Thomas again last night to express appreciation for the decisive law enforcement efforts that are underway along the border to advance toward full resolution of the blockades.  We discussed the widespread damaging impacts the obstructions have already had on the lives and livelihoods of people in both our nations and the imperative of taking swift, strong action and deterring future blockades.

This morning, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg also spoke with their Canadian counterparts.  The updates they received indicate that most protestors have been cleared from the Ambassador bridge, barriers are being removed, and the corridor is being secured.  Canadian authorities are taking proactive steps to ensure no further unlawful disruption of the flow of people and goods occurs.  Individuals trespassing on property located on the road to the bridge will be cited for trespassing and their vehicles will be towed.   Canadian authorities intend to reopen the Ambassador Bridge today after completing necessary safety checks.  We stand ready to support our Canadian partners wherever useful in order to ensure the restoration of the normal free flow of commerce.   

Senior White House staff are also remaining in close contact with Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Northern Border Governors and Members of Congress.

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