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.
The unique five-square-mile community in Whatcom County is surrounded by water on three sides and has only one land connection to Canada.
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.
Even though they feel frustrated, Americans stated that they do not hold Canadians responsible for experiencing those feelings; nevertheless, they themselves continue to endure immense suffering due to the consequences.
This was truly heartbreaking," said Tamra Hansen, a long-time resident and business owner in the exclave, speaking to the outlet. "Without support from Canada, this community won’t survive.
Christopher Carleton, the Fire Chief of Point Roberts, resonated with Hansen's worries, particularly because numerous members of his firefighting team reside on the opposite side of the border.
"We should look after each other, show kindness, and not let those who aren’t aware of our existence disturb the relationships we presently share," Carleton stated.
In the meantime, Mark Nykolaichuk, who resides in the Vancouver, B.C. region, expressed his hope of playing a role in maintaining the vitality of the community.
Nykolaichuk declines to visit the continental United States, yet he has made an exception for Port Roberts due to its strong connections with 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?'
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, proprietor of two local enterprises, mentioned that the current political atmosphere has significantly affected residents' relations with their Canadian neighbors nearby.
"We've always had a good relationship, and it doesn’t make sense anymore because now the U.S. will be affected as well," the individual who holds two nationalities stated.
I certainly empathize with the Canadian people right now as they find themselves in a difficult situation and must fight back.
She manages a breakfast place named Saltwater Cafe and also operates an eatery called The Pier.
Hansen employs 15 people whom she compensates directly, yet since February, the business has seen a downturn of 55 percent compared to the previous year. Some days, her ventures haven’t generated more than $100 in revenue.
'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.
'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 things get tougher, they could easily shut off the water supply or electricity," remarked Brian Calder, who previously served as the president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce.
'It all hinges on how much additional conflict is stirred up by Trump’s team.'
Calder also backs how Canadians are handling the significant upheaval and threats, referring to Trump's approach as 'completely foolish and cruel.'
"And additionally, you jeopardized the unity of Canada as a country," Calder stated to the president.
There's no doubt that Canada will respond… they have all the justification for doing so.
Lyle mentioned that the absence of Canadian tourists hasn't just affected businesses throughout the exclave; it has also fostered a 'frightening' ambiance.
The present political climate is quite frightening for our enterprises over there. Ninety percent of our business comes from Canada," Lyle clarified.
He likened the scenario to kids experiencing their parents' divorce, explaining to 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.
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