On a snowy sidewalk in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jessica Plichta was arrested live on camera while speaking out against the U.S. government’s sudden military invasion of Venezuela. Her “crime”? Daring to speak the truth and organize peaceful resistance.

Jessica had just finished helping organize a local march with Grand Rapids Opponents of War. Dozens of residents joined her to protest what they see as an unjustified, illegal intervention—one that cost lives and seized control of the world's largest oil supply without congressional approval. While calmly sharing her firsthand experience in Venezuela with a local news station, Jessica was handcuffed on-air, accused of “obstructing a roadway” and “failing to obey a lawful command.”

This is a clear violation of her First Amendment rights. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy—not a punishable offense.

Americans have the right to speak out against war and injustice without fear of arrest.

We are calling on:

• The Grand Rapids Police Department to drop all charges against Jessica Plichta.
• Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to investigate this arrest as a violation of constitutional rights.
• The City of Grand Rapids to issue a public statement affirming the right to peaceful protest

If we stay silent while peaceful protestors are silenced, we risk losing our own voice tomorrow. Stand with Jessica. Stand with the right to dissent. Demand justice now.