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.

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