The government’s policy is to arm all of its border agents by 2016.

The customs house is the only one on Indian territory out of Canada’s 119 border crossings.

Akwesasne Mohawks account for nearly 70 percent of the traffic that uses the Seaway border crossing.

Mohawks, concerned the presence of guns could escalate already tense feelings between the customs agents and residents, were not consulted about Canada’s plan, even though the customs site is on Mohawk land.

Residents are also upset by weapons being at the customs house because it is in close proximity to residential areas, a playground and a bus stop frequently used by children.

At one point, about 400 Mohawks and supporters had gathered at the customs house late Sunday as the arming deadline approached.

Once customs agents left that night, the bridge was closed on both sides.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Cornwall City Police are blocking traffic from using the north span, while New York State Police and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents on doing the same on the American side.

Akwesasne Mohawk Police Services officers are stationed on the Canadian side to help with the Mohawk-only pedestrian traffic.

E-mail Denise A. Raymo at:

draymo@pressrepublican.com