AKWESASNE — The Massena-Cornwall International Bridge was closed Monday after 400 St. Regis Mohawks camped out, protesting Canada’s arming of its border agents.

Canadian Border Service Agency officials decided near midnight to close the Cornwall Island station, which is situated on Indian land in Canada.

Only emergency vehicles were allowed to cross the bridge Monday.

OFFICERS LEFT

The eight to 10 officers working inside walked south from their customs house to the American customs station and were returned to Canada without incident.

“It was the agency that made the decision that it was more prudent, from a health and safety point of view, to close the office and continue negotiations,” said Ron Moran, the national president of the Customs and Immigration Union, told the Cornwall Standard Freeholder.

The U.S. Customs and Border Service also closed its station, and all travelers were being rerouted to either ports of entry in Fort Covington or Ogdensburg, Troop B State Police Capt. Mike Girard said.

“Everything’s quiet,” he said Monday afternoon. “I sent one patrol over the bridge to the end of the U.S. side.”

Using binoculars, he said he could see only about 10 cars and no people visible.

“It was Canada’s decision that the bridge be closed, and the Canadian authorities asked the U.S. side to do the same,” Girard said.

“(State Police) will maintain a presence there until they tell us otherwise.”

TRAVEL INHIBITED

Troopers sending vehicles to the alternate crossings are fielding complaints, especially from the Mohawks living on the American side, who use the bridge frequently.