Michigan protester arrested on live TV after speaking out against U.S. actions in Venezuela

MICHIGAN: A 22-year-old protest organizer was taken into custody on camera by local police shortly after speaking to a television station about a weekend rally opposing U.S. actions in Venezuela. 

Jessica Plichta, a preschool teacher and organizer with Grand Rapids Opponents of War, was interviewed by ABC-affiliate WZZM on Saturday (3 Jan) about a protest condemning U.S. military involvement after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

As the interview concluded, video shows police officers approach from behind and place her in handcuffs before escorting her away. 

During the broadcast, Plichta criticised the Trump administration’s foreign policy, framing it as involving U.S. tax dollars in what she described as “war crimes” and urging public opposition. 

Police Statement and Charges

The Grand Rapids Police Department later stated that the arrest followed repeated instructions for demonstrators to leave a roadway and move to the sidewalk, which they said were ignored.

Officers cited “obstructing a roadway and failure to obey a lawful command,” local media reported. 

The department said more than two dozen announcements were made over a PA system directing the group to clear the street before police made arrests.

Plichta was the only person detained from the roughly 200-person crowd, according to reports. 

Plichta’s Response and Aftermath

Following her release, Plichta told media outlet Zeteo that she did not believe her detention was coincidental, arguing she was targeted after finishing her television interview.

She said police transported her to a location out of view of cameras, searched her, questioned her about her connections to Venezuela and other protesters, and held her for several hours before release. 

The incident has drawn attention on social media and raised debate about law enforcement’s handling of protest activity and free-speech issues.