Protesters block entrances to Bemidji Enbridge office in opposition to Line 3

BEMIDJI -- Despite cold temps and freezing rain, a group of around 40 protesters blocked off the entrances at Enbridge's Bemidji office in opposition to the oil company's Line 3 replacement project early Friday morning.

According to a statement from activist group Giniw Collective, those present were "protesting the company bulldozing through Minnesota wetlands, watersheds and Anishinaabe treaty territory as lawsuits led by three Ojibwe tribes opposed to Line 3 remain pending."

When Pioneer reporters arrived on the scene at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 9, Bemidji police officers had blockaded the streets to all thru-traffic. A little while later, around 9:55 a.m., they warned they would issue an order for the protesters to disperse after 20 minutes, stating whoever chose not to leave by then on their own would be arrested. They then gave warnings every five minutes until the official order was given around 11:15 a.m. to disperse.

https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/6978005-Protesters-block-entrances-to-Bemidji-Enbridge-office-in-opposition-to-Line-3