International bridge still closed in Mohawk-Canada dispute

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June 2, 2009

By DENISE RAYMO The Press Republican Tue Jun 02, 2009, 04:08 PM EDT

AKWESASNE — The Seaway International Bridge remained closed a second day Tuesday as Canadian and St. Regis Mohawk leaders continue their stalemate over armed border agents.

New York State Police and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents are turning all travelers away as they approach the American side of the bridge, sending drivers to either the Fort Covington or Ogdensburg ports of entry.

SIGNS POSTED

“Our presence is to ensure traffic safety of the people who try to cross the bridge,” State Police Troop B Commander Maj. Richard Smith said.

He said the State Department of Transportation placed message signs east and west of the bridge to let drivers know they have to find another way into Canada.

Massena-based troopers are assigned to the bridge detail, and no other officers have been pulled from surrounding Troop B substations, he said.

SOVEREIGN LAND

The Canadian Border Service Agency initiated a policy on Monday to provide 9mm Berettas to all agents, including those at the customs house situated on Cornwall Island, part of the Mohawk reservation at Akwesasne.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, which governs the Canadian side of the reservation, says the government did not consult with its members before making the decision, even though the agents would be on sovereign Mohawk land.

Mohawks also object because the customs house is in a residential area at a busy intersection near a children’s playground.

And some residents already feel threatened and harassed by agents and fear a sidearm could escalate a minor situation into a violent one.

CAMPAIGN PROMISE

On Monday, the Mohawks received a letter from Canadian Public Safety Prime Minister Peter VanLoan, stating the policy fulfills a pledge the Conservative government made to arm all 4,800 of its officers by 2016.

“This is a campaign promise they made,” said Brendan White, communications director for the Mohawk Council. “They are going to implement the policy, and it will be overseen by the CBSA.”

Council Grand Chief Tim Thompson has attempted find a compromise or to postpone the action without success, White said.

Mohawks have held three demonstrations near the customs house since May 1, and as many as 400 gathered there Sunday as the June 1 deadline approached.

STILL CLOSED

Just before midnight Monday, Canadian Customs pulled its agents off the job and closed the bridge.

Only emergency-medical vehicles and pedestrian traffic are allowed to cross.

“It has been and continues to be our community’s desire to seek a peaceful resolution to our concerns that does not involve the disruption of traffic or the closing of the Three Nations bridge crossing,” Thompson said in a statement Tuesday.

“The closures have been the result of actions initiated by CBSA officers. We want to express our disappointment and frustration (for) the lack of cooperation received from federal officials.

“Regardless, we have and will continue to pursue peaceful means to address our community’s concerns.”

E-mail Denise A. Raymo at:

draymo@pressrepublican.com