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Preschool Teacher Arrested for Anti-Trump Protest Comments

1/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jessica Plichta, a preschool teacher in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was arrested on January 5 after criticizing Donald Trump during a TV interview about Nicolás Maduro's capture.
She was the only person arrested among about 200 protesters.
She faced charges of obstructing a roadway and failing to obey a lawful command.
Plichta said police targeted her for anti-war views, and the Grand Rapids Police Department disputed her connections to Venezuela.

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Story summary

Jessica Plichta, a preschool teacher in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was arrested on January 5 after criticizing Donald Trump during a TV interview about Nicolás Maduro's capture.
She was the only person arrested among about 200 protesters.
She faced charges of obstructing a roadway and failing to obey a lawful command.
Plichta said police targeted her for anti-war views, and the Grand Rapids Police Department disputed her connections to Venezuela.