Border tensions rise for Northwest Angle residents: 'We don't matter'

Apr 12, 20210

ALEX KORMANN • alex.kormann@startribune.com count

A border marker on the Northwest Angle on Feb. 9, 2021. The northernmost part of Minnesota is only accessible by land through Canada, which closed its border to nonessential travel more than a year ago and has started requiring negative COVID-19 tests for Northwest Angle residents who want to return home.

DULUTH – Paul Colson was ready to raise a ruckus - and risk arrest - if Canadian border officials denied him entry on his drive home to the Northwest Angle on Tuesday.

After almost 13 months of pandemic-prompted border restrictions, which recently grew more onerous, Colson said he and other residents feel "we are dispensable. We don't matter."

"I'll just block the road, they can throw me in jail," he said. "I've got to do something."

https://www.startribune.com/border-tensions-rise-for-northwest-angle-residents-we-don-t-matter/600044217/