In the wake of Trump’s takeover of Venezuela, public opinion has split sharply. One side supports the move; the other is firmly opposed. That opposition didn’t take long to mobilize, organizing protests against the administration’s actions. So far, those demonstrations have remained peaceful.
As the media highlights scenes of Venezuelans celebrating the news, it has also turned its cameras on the protests. In Michigan, one of the organizers of a demonstration against U.S. involvement in Venezuela spoke during a street interview. It began routinely, with her outlining the reasons for her protest. “This is not just a foreign issue,” she said. “It’s our tax dollars that are also being used to commit these war crimes.”
The Michigan woman continued, telling the interviewer, “It’s also the duty of us, the people, to stand against the Trump regime.” She went on to accuse the administration of committing crimes both at home and abroad, in Venezuela. There was nothing unusual or unlawful about the interview itself, yet she barely had time to step away from the camera.
Within moments, two police officers entered the frame and arrested her. She looked directly at the camera and stated that she was not resisting, which was an assessment that appeared accurate. Officers said she was being taken into custody for obstructing a roadway and failing to obey a lawful command. But because the entire encounter was captured on video, viewers were quick to point out that neither charge seemed to apply. As a result, many alleged that the protester had been arrested on fabricated grounds.
People Reacting to the Michigan Woman Getting Arrested
After seeing the video of the Michigan woman’s arrest, people were furious about what just happened. They believed that the protester was only arrested because she was giving an interview. Since this seemed to be against freedom of speech, one person wrote, “This is the [expletive] you see happen in Russia. Our country is a joke now.” Another person said, “This is what free speech in our Constitution is supposed to prevent.” Someone else believed that the future in America isn’t going to be bright at all. “Saw this coming since 2015. We are in for some very very dark times. Keep yourselves and your families safe because this government WILL NOT,” they wrote.
One Redditor was also grateful that the Michigan woman was arrested by police and not ICE. “This seems like a way for her to get a quick settlement. At least it was the police and not ICE, so theres a chance she will be seen again,” they commented. Others pointed out how her charges sounded ridiculous as one person joked, “What was she blocking the roadway with? Her psychic powers of telepathy?” Another person then said, “Obstructing a roadway while she’s standing on the sidewalk, huh?” Someone else was convinced that this was similar to what was happening in Venezuela. “Didn’t the US accuse Maduro of suppressing citizen’s rights to protest and opposition?? Looks like someone needs to come scoop up our leader then if that’s the minimum threshold for removing a President,” they wrote. No one should be arrested just for giving an interview.
