Many have vowed they will stay put until the project is scrapped, according to AP. They argue that the land, which was recently purchased by Energy Transfer Partners from a rancher, rightfully belongs to Native Americans under a more than century-old treaty.

Protesters on Sunday began setting up camp in the direct path of the 1,172-mile long pipeline project with the developer stating they are trespassing.

Scheckel said his IDHS District 1 officers “have been trained to deal with civil unrest,” noting they responded to the climate change protest at the BP Whiting Refinery this summer, when about 40 were arrested.

He said he is concerned for officers’ safety, but that he would be in any emergency situation similar to this.

“I always worry about them. You want to make sure everything is provided for them,” Scheckel said. “But I am confident they are in good hands out there.”

As part of the agreement, all expenses are being reimbursed to the communities that have sent officers, according to Griffith Police Chief Greg Mance.