Despite a court order to go, protesters are still holding a major crossing on US-Canada’s border.

On Friday, at 19:00 local time, an injunction was issued to put an end to days of protests.

Truckers are obstructing the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan.

Truckers are protesting the Covid restrictions at other crossing points as well as in Ottawa.

The city of Windsor and the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association filed the injunction, claiming that the convoy was costing them up to $50 million ($39 million) per day.

Following the court ruling, Windsor Police issued a statement to “make demonstrators clearly aware that obstructing the border crossing is a criminal offence.” A criminal conviction, according to the police, might result in the confiscation of vehicles and the inability to enter the United States.

However, hours later, crowds of protesters flying Canadian flags defied the ban and continued to occupy the bridge.

Hundreds of additional demonstrators remain in the streets of Ottawa, the nation’s capital. Anti-vaccine demonstrators are also blocking two additional border crossings with the United States.

“If you join the protests because you are tired of Covid you need to understand that you are breaking laws. The consequences are becoming more and more severe,” Mr. Trudeau told Canadians on Friday.

“You don’t want to end up losing your licence, end up with a criminal record, which will impact your job, your livelihood, even your ability to travel internationally, including to the US.

“We’ve heard your frustration with Covid, with the measures that are there to keep people safe. We’ve heard you. It’s time to go home now.”

The Liberal leader added that “we are a long way from ever having to call in the military,” the Liberal leader added, “although of course we have to be ready for any eventuality”.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also proclaimed a state of emergency for the province on Friday, claiming the protests were unconstitutional.

The ruling enhances the punishment for obstructing critical infrastructure, making it punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of up to C$100,000.

On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also discussed the border blockades with US President Joe Biden.

Mr. Trudeau said the two talked about their “shared challenges at the border,” with the prime leader vowing rapid steps to reopen trade.

Mr. Trudeau went on to say that he and Mr. Biden also discussed the torrent of US phone calls that have inundated Canada’s police emergency call centers, as well as the contributions and help that demonstrators are receiving from Americans.

Image Credit: Getty

You were reading: Cry of “Freedom Convoy” Continues Even After Injunction