"When you have that many people engage in that kind of behavior, inciting others to break the law, cheering others on as they do break the law, refusing to leave when they are asked to leave, that’s not a protest," Laney said.

Construction on the $3.8 million, 1,200-mile pipeline on private land began Tuesday and is about 20 miles from the Red Warrior Camp where thousands of protesters have gathered, according to The Associated Press. Tribal leaders argue that the construction violates several federal laws, will harm water supplies and disturbs ancient sites.

The north side alder left Sunday at noon, traveling with her husband, to the protests and was expected to return Wednesday evening.

Kemble could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

“She had a big load of supplies to take up there, plus she was going to take the Madison statement from the City Council,” Joan Kemble, Rebecca's mother, said.

The City Council approved a resolution Sep. 20 supporting opposition to the oil pipeline because it would threaten Native American tribal lands. The pipeline was slated to be constructed near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.