Protester arrests being made at Line 3 campsite near Thief River Falls, Minn. (Photo via social media)
THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (KFGO/KTRF) – Authorities have arrested 29 protesters at the Red Lake Treaty Camp south of Thief River Falls. The protesters, who have had an encampment there for months, claim Enbridge Energy continues to violate reserved rights under an 1863 treaty by drilling its controversial Line 3 pipeline along the Red Lake River.
The highway patrol closed Highway 32 between Thief River Falls and St. Hilaire Friday for 8 hours over safety concerns because the roadway was congested with construction, protestors, campsites, and vehicles near the campsites. The protesters were ordered to disperse peacefully or face arrest.
Pennington County Sheriff Ray Kuznia said most of the individuals arrested on Friday had bonded out, however, the 22 arrested on Saturday remained for court appearances Monday on various charges, including trespassing and interfering with a peace officer.
Kuznia said his office has received assistance from Roseau, Marshall, Clay, Dakota, Washington, and Anoka counties and 50 to 60 officers from the State Patrol and the DNR.
Over the weekend, Pennington County opened an Emergency Operations Center on the floor of Ralph Engelstad Arena in Thief River Falls. It’s handling communications used by law enforcement at the site of the protest.
Comments