Chaos erupted on the vital Brent Spence Bridge connecting Kentucky and Ohio as furious protesters against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) brought rush-hour traffic to a grinding halt.
Traffic Nightmare for Commuters
Dramatic footage showed demonstrators sitting across multiple lanes of the busy interstate bridge during Wednesday's morning commute, forcing police to divert vehicles and creating miles-long tailbacks. The key transport link between Covington, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio normally carries over 160,000 vehicles daily.
Official Outrage
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear blasted the protest as "dangerous and unacceptable," while Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval warned such actions "put lives at risk." Local business owners reported employees arriving hours late as emergency services struggled to navigate the gridlock.
Protesters' Demands
The activists, representing a coalition of immigrant rights groups, demanded:
- An end to ICE deportations
- Closure of detention centers
- Path to citizenship for undocumented migrants
Organisers claimed the bridge blockade symbolised how immigration policies "divide communities," but their tactics drew sharp criticism from both sides of the political aisle.
Economic Impact
The Brent Spence Bridge serves as a critical freight corridor, with experts estimating the five-hour disruption cost regional businesses millions in lost productivity and delayed shipments. Truckers reported being stranded without access to restrooms or food during the standoff.
Police eventually cleared the demonstration after making multiple arrests, but tensions remain high as activists vow further actions. Commuters are advised to check traffic updates amid fears of additional protests targeting transport infrastructure.
