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Locals in coastal exclave have to drive through Canada to reach US
Tensions are on the rise in a gorgeous Pacific Northwest coastal enclave where locals have to drive through Canada to reach the US.
Residents in Port Roberts, Washington have been caught in the crossfire of the ongoing trade wars between the two countries ever since President Donald Trump threatened to implement hefty tariffs on a long list of goods imported from Canada.
Locals who live in the small exclave, or part of a state that is geographically separated from the mainland by another territory, are feeling the direct effects of the tariff mayhem – specifically at their three restaurants and singular grocery store.
Residents can either re-enter the US through one border crossing and about a 25 miles car ride to reach downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, or they can make their way through two border crossings and an approximate 25 mile car ride through Canada to then enter the US at Boundary Bay Border.
More than 70 percent of properties are owned by Canadians, and more than 50 percent of an estimated 1,200 residents have dual citizenship, Wayne Lyle, the President of Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce, told the Canadian Press.
The few local businesses and popular tourist attractions, including beaches, hiking trails and a golf course, have been suffering economically as many Canadians have boycotted the area ever since Trump’s tariff threats and talks about making Canada the 51st state of the US.
Despite all their frustration, Americans said they don’t blame Canadians for feeling that way, but they are still suffering tremendously from the fallout.

Residents in Port Roberts, Washington (pictured) have been caught in the crossfire of the ongoing trade wars between the two countries ever since President Donald Trump threatened to implement hefty tariffs on a long list of goods imported from Canada

‘This was really devastating,’ Tamra Hansen (pictured), a longtime resident and business owner in the exclave, said. ‘If we don’t get the support from the Canadians, this town will die’

The unique five-square-mile community in Whatcom County is surrounded by water on three sides and has only one land connection to Canada. (Pictured: The Point Roberts border checkpoint)
‘This was really devastating,’ Tamra Hansen, a longtime resident and business owner in the exclave told the outlet. ‘If we don’t get the support from the Canadians, this town will die.’
Point Roberts Fire Chief Christopher Carleton echoed Hansen’s concerns, especially since many of his firefighters live across the border.
‘We need to take care of one another and have grace for one another and not allow people who don’t even know we exist to disrupt the relationships we currently have,’ Carleton said.
Meanwhile, Mark Nykolaichuk, who lives in the Vancouver, B.C. area, said he hopes he can help keep the community alive.
Nykolaichuk refuses to travel to the mainland US, but has made a special exception for Port Roberts because of its close ties to Canada.
He specifically frequents the sole grocery store on the exclave – the Point Roberts International Marketplace – to buy food for him to cook at his vacation home.
Because of US customs restrictions, raw meat is not permitted at the border, so Nykolaichuk has to purchase it in town.
‘Nobody wants to see this place shut down,’ he said. ‘If this place goes, where are the U.S. citizens going to eat? Where are they going to get their food from?’

More than 70 percent of properties are owned by Canadians, 50 percent of which are dual citizens, Wayne Lyle (pictured), the President of Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce, said
Management at the market recently reported that business is down 20 to 30 percent.
Similarly, a liquor store in the town, Larry’s Liquor Locker, has seen its sales tank by 40 percent in the last month.
The owner, Larry Musselwhite, 75, has been faced with a harsh reality that he blames on Trump.
‘This is because of our elected president, who really doesn’t care about the common man and the struggles that we have to go through,’ Musselwhite said.
‘It greatly affects how I live my life.’
Around 75 percent of Port Roberts residents voted for a presidential candidate other than Trump, according to 2024 election results.
Hansen, who owns two businesses in the area, said the political climate has severely impacted resident’s relationships with neighboring Canadians.

Management at Point Roberts International Market (pictured) – the only grocery store in town – recently reported that business is down 20-30 percent

A cash register at the Point Roberts International Marketplace has two trays for both Canadian and U.S. currencies

Other than imported goods, Port Roberts residents, like Brian Calder (pictured), are also fearful that Canada might impose tariffs on necessary utilities if tensions escalate
‘We’ve always gotten along and it’s just nonsensical because now the U.S. is going to suffer too,’ the dual citizen said.
‘I definitely feel for the Canadian people at this time because they’ve got their backs against the wall, really, and they have to retaliate.’
She runs a breakfast spot, Saltwater Cafe, and another restaurant called The Pier.
Hansen has 15 employees that she pays, but as of February, business has been down 55 percent, compared to last year. There have even been days when her businesses didn’t even make $100.
‘There are some businesses that are going out of business right now as we speak,’ she said.
‘It’s very emotional for me because I care about everybody that lives here.’
In response to Trump’s on again, off again tariff threats, Canada has promised retaliatory tariffs on the US.
Locals have also become increasingly frustrated with Trump starting and stopping the tariffs, leaving many with inconsistencies, especially in their businesses.
Hugh Wilson, a local real estate agent who manages multiple Airbnb locations in the community, said he’s been receiving a lot of cancellations lately.

Larry Musselwhite (pictured), 75, the owner of Larry’s Liquor Locker, has seen its sales tank by 40 percent in the last month

Hansen runs a breakfast spot, Saltwater Cafe, and another restaurant called The Pier (pictured). Hansen has 15 employees that she pays, but as of February, business has been down 55 percent, compared to last year

A bicyclist approaches the Nexus lane at the border crossing checkpoint into Delta, British Columbia in Point Roberts
‘Nobody is sure of the rules at any one day here. The border agents do the best they can to stay up to date and they relay that to us as normal people crossing the border,’ Wilson said.
Other than imported goods, Port Roberts residents are also fearful that Canada might impose tariffs on necessary utilities if tensions escalate.
‘If it gets more brutal, they can cut off the water just like that, or the power,’ Brian Calder, the former president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce, said.
‘And it just depends how much more confrontation is fomented by Trump’s office.’
Calder is also in support of how Canadians are dealing with the massive shakeup and threats, calling Trump’s strategy ‘absolutely stupid and inhumane.’
‘And then on top of that, you threatened the integrity of Canada as a nation,’ Calder said of the president.
‘There’s no question that Canada will retaliate … they’ve got every right to.’
Lyle said the lack of Canadian visitors has not only impacted business across the exclave, but has created a ‘scary’ atmosphere.
‘The current political situation is darn right scary for our businesses there. Ninety per cent of our business is Canadian,’ Lyle explained.

Around 75 percent of Port Roberts residents voted for a presidential candidate other than Trump, according to 2024 election results. (Aerial view of Port Roberts)
He compared the situation to children going through the divorce of their parents, telling the Canadian Press: ‘I talked to someone last week, and they said they could best sum it up by saying Point Roberts is basically the children going through a divorce proceeding, the parents are the two countries, so we’re powerless.’
Calder and other residents are currently trying to find a solution to the issue by reaching out to the British Columbia premier, as well as the governor of Washington.
Jed Holmes, a spokesman for Whatcom County, told AP they are talking with Washington state’s congressional delegation in D.C. to specifically address the growing issues in Point Roberts amidst the deteriorating US-Canada relationship.
‘I understand that folks want us to do more, but it’s really challenging to identify what meaningful things a county government can do to change this dynamic at the international level,’ Holmes said.
News
Police Arrest Pastor, Islamic Cleric And One Other Over Possession Of Human Parts In Oyo
The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended three suspects, including a pastor and an Islamic cleric, for allegedly possessing human body parts in Ibadan.
The spokesperson for the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on 24th March, 2026.
According to the PPRO, a patrol team intercepted an unregistered motorcycle and arrested the rider.
Upon searching the pillion, a package containing human intestine was recovered.
The suspect confessed that he had obtained the items from an unknown individual and sells them to one Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo and Pastor Ayodele Taiwo.
Onaolapo and Ayodele were subsequently tracked and arrested.
The duo confessed to purchasing the suspected human parts from Oyategbe Joseph.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public of a recent arrest involving the unlawful possession and sale of suspected human parts in Ibadan, highlighting the Command’s commitment to proactive policing and the protection of lives and public health,” the statement read
“In line with its proactive measures to rid the state of criminal activities, the Command routinely conducts stop-and-search operations, which serve as a key strategy for detecting and preventing illegal acts before they escalate.
“It was during one such operation along Adekile area of Agugu that a patrol team intercepted an unregistered Bajaj Boxer motorcycle.
“During a search of the pillion, the rider was apprehended on the spot, and a package containing flesh suspected to be human parts (intestine) was recovered.
“Following this discovery, the apprehended pillion rider, identified as Oyategbe Joseph, male, of Ibadan, was interrogated.
“He confessed that he had obtained the suspected human parts from an unknown individual at Oritaperin area and further admitted to selling the items to two persons: Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo, male, aged 46 years, and Pastor Ayodele Taiwo, male, aged 55 years.
“Acting promptly on this intelligence, the Command swiftly apprehended Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo and Pastor Ayodele Taiwo and brought them to the station for interrogation.
“Both suspects confessed to purchasing the suspected human parts from Oyategbe Joseph.
“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a discreet and thorough investigation.
“Upon the conclusion of investigations, all suspects will be charged to court.
“As a result of these coordinated actions, all three suspects are currently in police custody, and the Command reassures the public that every necessary measure is being taken to ensure that those involved are brought to justice.
“In conclusion, the Oyo State Police Command appeals to members of the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any information regarding the possession or sale of human parts to the nearest police station or security agency, emphasizing that community cooperation remains critical in maintaining law and order.”
News
12-Year-Old Boy Arrested for S£xually Ass@ulting Woman In Her 60s And Leaving Her With Serious Injuries
A12-year-old boy has appeared in a UK court after he was accused of s£xually ass@ulting a woman in her 60s, leaving her seriously injured.
The woman was found in a property north of Birmingham city centre at around 6.15pm on March 18, bleeding heavily from several wounds and barely conscious, a court heard on Tuesday.
The woman was lying on the floor, n@ked apart from a t-shirt, with cuts to her chest and face, prosecutor Colin Charvill told Birmingham Youth Court.
She remains in hospital in a serious condition, having been placed in an induced coma.
A boy aged 12 has been charged with segxwal assault and wounding, as well as an offence of theft on the same day and intentional strangulation in relation to an alleged incident on February 11.
The defendant, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared in court today where he indicated pleas of not guilty to all of the charges.
He was remanded to youth detention accommodation by District Judge David Murray ahead of an appearance at Birmingham Crown Court on April 21.
West Midlands Police said in a statement: ‘Our enquiries remain ongoing, but we understand how concerning this will be within the community.
‘Our officers will be continuing to provide reassurance in the local area.
‘If anyone has any information regarding suspicious behavior on 18 March or in the days leading up to last Wednesday, details can be submitted via the Major Incident Public Portal or via 101 quoting log 4888 of 18 March.’
News
Christian And Muslim Women Unite To Form Vigilante Group In Jos, Patrol Streets At Night To Combat Crime (Video)
Amid growing insecurity and its escalating effects on local communities, a group of women in Jos has established an all-female vigilante group to tackle violence, theft, and drug-related crimes in the area.
The initiative, highlighted in a Reuters feature on Tuesday, brings together women who say they were compelled to act following what they described as repeated failures of government security promises.
According to members, the group was created as a grassroots effort to contribute to the safety and stability of their communities.
Armed with little more than whips and identification cards, the women patrol neighbourhoods and confront suspected drug dealers and petty criminals. Despite limited resources, they say their presence has begun to yield results.
“We have been able to help reduce thefts, taking of drugs and other vices,” Blessing Ngozi Emmanuel, identified as the group’s leader, was quoted as saying.
The vigilante team currently comprises about 20 women from both Muslim and Christian backgrounds, reflecting a rare show of unity across religious lines in a region often marked by tension.
They conduct nightly patrols between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., focusing on areas they consider most vulnerable to crime.
However, their work has not come without risks. Some members have reportedly been injured during operations, while others have received threats.
One member said she was warned that she could be made to “disappear” if she continued her involvement.
Despite these dangers, the women insist their mission is strictly to support community security, not to replace formal law enforcement.
They also expressed frustration over the lack of official recognition or support, noting that it was only weeks ago that local government officials visited them, despite months of active operations.
The emergence of the group underscores the worsening security situation in Plateau State, where incidents of violence, abduction, and communal attacks have persisted.
Earlier on Tuesday, SaharaReporters reported the abduction of a senior cleric of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and Chairman of its Board of Trustees.
The cleric was reportedly taken by unknown gunmen from his residence in Farin Gida, Jos. The incident was confirmed by a source at the church’s headquarters, while a message circulated on its official WhatsApp platform urged members to pray for his safety and swift release.
Jos is not the only part of Plateau grappling with insecurity. In February, survivors recounted how suspected Berom militias allegedly intercepted a commercial vehicle in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, dragged out five trader-passengers, and k!lled them.
The attack reportedly occurred along the Nding axis, just hours after seven people were said to have been k!lled in Ratatis community, Dorowa Babuje, by suspected armed bandits.
One survivor, Abdulazeez Ibrahim, a resident of Gangare in Jos North Local Government Area, described how the victims, identified as Hausa traders travelling to Pankshin for business, were stopped and attacked.
Against this backdrop of persistent violence, the women-led vigilante group in Jos represents both a response to insecurity and a reflection of growing public frustration over gaps in official protection.
Promises by the government to ensure safer communities have failed to materialise with many k!lled, kidnapped from time to time.
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