BERNARD SHAW, CNN ANCHOR: After days of tension on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques, a standoff between demonstrators and officials ended peacefully this morning. Federal agents evicted 170 protesters who'd camped out at a disputed United States Navy bombing range. Restraint reportedly was shown by both sides. CNN's Mike Boettcher has details from Vieques.</s>MIKE BOETTCHER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At daybreak on the 381st day of their protest, the Vieques squatters were suddenly confronted with the inevitable: their removal. Before them, a squadron of small Navy boats, behind them, a small company of FBI agents. The protesters only choice, abandon the 14 separate camps they'd established across the U.S. Navy firing range. The protesters promised nonviolent resistance, and they lived up to that pledge, locking arms and quietly sitting in the makeshift shacks they built a few months ago. A few feet away a group of priests, nuns, and Protestant ministers sang hymns while they waited to be removed. A few demanded to be arrested and were handcuffed, but FBI negotiators convinced the majority to accept what was called an "enforced removal," which did not involve arrest. Among those was Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez, a Chicagoan of Puerto Rican heritage who vowed that the protest would not end. The FBI agents, while armed with pistols and a few assault rifles, seemed determined not to be seen as using excessive force. Most of the agents quietly stood by as others escorted protesters to waiting trucks that would transport them out of the base. Their tactic worked, a potentially explosive situation ended relatively peacefully. (on camera): The Vieques squatters say their removal will not end the protest. They vow they will return. (voice-over): At least for now, the federal government is determined that will not happen. Mike Boettcher, CNN, Vieques, Puerto Rico.
Federal Authorities Evict Vieques Protesters