Law enforcement threatens to block supplies to Dakota Access Pipeline protesters

Protesters say the pipeline will destroy sacred cultural sites and contaminate the water.

The hundreds of demonstrators who are trying to block the project have been told they must be out by Monday. But the protesters are saying they aren't going anywhere. In fact, about two-thousand veterans are planning to join the North Dakota protests next week.

After nearly five months of protest, officials are turning up the pressure, telling demonstrators to leave now or face the consequences. But neither the official warnings nor the howling winter weather seem convincing.

The Morton County Sheriff's Department warned protesters Tuesday that they'll start blocking supplies and people from entering the campsite. A spokeswoman for the department later clarified that they'd only stick to punishing trespassers.

Members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, who originally filed the lawsuit against the pipeline, say they're not budging.

"Water is sacred. But, it's also good business to protect your water resource," said Chase Iron Eyes, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe member.

North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple warned protesters about the winter weather, which will only get worse. He said that first responders will no longer be responsible for rendering aid to those who stay.

Seventeen Native Americans, who've served under the Obama administration, signed a letter asking the president to step in and allow protesters to stay.

The CEO of the company building the pipeline is also weighing in, trying to convince protesters the pipeline will be safe.

"This pipeline is being built where to existing pipelines exist today, that were built through your state in 1982. We've not disturbed any historical sites," said Kelsey Warren, Energy Transfer Partners CEO.