Police call off blockade of Mohawks at Cornwall

Akwesasne Mohawks are once again being allowed to cross the Seaway International Bridge from Cornwall onto their territory, but the Canadian border post remains closed.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) shut down its post on the Mohawk territory that straddles Quebec, Ontario and the U.S. early Monday morning after Mohawk leaders warned they would not tolerate guns in their community.

The border guards were scheduled to start carrying 9-mm handguns Monday morning under a new federal policy.

Vehicle access to Akwesasne from Cornwall was blocked for 15 hours Monday after police set up a road block at the entrance to the Seaway bridge.

However, after a series of negotiations between Mohawk leaders, Akwesasne police and Cornwall police, residents are again allowed to use the bridge.

"The opening of the north span is very reassuring for those residents, [because] now they can travel to and from the city of Cornwall, which makes it easier for them to go get groceries and items that they need," said Brendan White of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.

The Canadian border-crossing post in Akwesasne is still closed.

Ron Moran, the national president of the Customs and Immigration Union, said Tuesday it's too risky to allow officers to return.

Moran said border agents were intimidated by some people in Akwesasne who were wearing scarves on their faces.

He said he has no idea when the border will reopen.

"I don't think there's any reason to start risking that level of potential injury or loss of life. So, as it stands, it's going to remain closed and that's to the detriment primarily of the people on the Akwesasne reserve.

The Mohawk protesters are angry about guards being allowed to carry guns, because they say it violates their sovereignty, and increases the likelihood of violent confrontations.

The Mohawk protesters reportedly cheered when news of the border guards' departure became known.

"They're so nasty and harassing our people that we can almost feel ... their finger being itchy on the trigger," said John Boots, a Mohawk from Akwesasne.

But the CBSA points out U.S. guards working on the territory have carried guns for decades without any problems.