Local law enforcement agencies have been named to a task force around the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline replacement.
According to a release, the Northern Lights Task Force began four years ago, with numerous law enforcement leaders discussing a joint public safety response, becoming concrete with mutual aid agreements and other plans.
Law enforcement from Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Cass counties are reportedly part of this task force.
The mission statement for the task force is:
“To provide a safe environment that protects life, property and free speech through a respectful approach by well-trained, disciplined peace officers relating to the lawful activities conducted by those who wish to exercise their First Amendment rights in Minnesota.”
Protesters of the pipeline, the self-proclaimed water protectors, have held ceremony in the path of the multi-billion-dollar project that will cross numerous watersheds and wetlands in northern Minnesota.
