WINDSOR, ONT. – As the sun went down and the temperatures plummeted on Saturday night, there were fewer protesters in Windsor denouncing Canada’s COVID-19 mandates and restrictions.
But those who were around to protest, despite a court order telling them to go home, kept warm Saturday with fresh coffee and pastries.
Early Saturday morning, Windsor police started enforcing a court ordered injunction, which gave them full authority to remove protesters from blocking traffic at the Ambassador Bridge. Two big rigs blocking the entrance to the Ambassador Bridge were driven away, and protesters were dismantling tents and packing up.
Police could be seen moving the crowds of protesters back and away from the bridge, in an effort to reopen it to traffic. The bridge blockade has severely impacted travel and trade between the U.S. and Canada over the past week.
However, those big rigs that were moved were replaced by hundreds of demonstrators nearby in Windsor.
More: Blockades on Canada-US border continue as protests swell
A stoic line of provincial police officers tried to keep protesters away from the Ambassador Bridge on Saturday.
One side, ‘Freedom Convoy’ protestors with Canadian flags tied to hockey sticks. On the other, a line of provincial police officers with armored trucks, blocking off access to the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor. @Local4News pic.twitter.com/UZaXICt8Qy
— Priya Mann (@priyamanntv) February 12, 2022
Bundled up against the bitter cold, some had a dance party, while the incessant sound of horns filled the air.
And among the crowd were some of Canada’s youngest participants. Some parents say they were out there for their children, and to make sure their kids have the same freedoms as they did growing up.
Protesters we talked to said they’re going to stay as long as they can a mile away from the bridge, as the battle to open it to traffic again enters a new day.
From Saturday: Get Caught Up: Everything to know on day 6 of Ambassador Bridge blockade