Directed by Christopher Martin and John Pilger, The War on Democracy (2007) is a sobering and critical examination of the United States’ deadly imperialism in the Americas.

Examining the history from the mid-20th century going to the 2000s, Pilger examines the bipartisan attacks against Latin America, especially on the socialist countries and those that are not aligned with the interests of U.S. imperialists. Special focus is given to the 2002 failed coup d'etat attempt in Venezuela, featuring interviews with Hugo Chávez.

After the documentary, Angel Naranjos, a member of FRSO, led a discussion on what the audience learned, the historical development of American imperialism, the decline of imperialism, the fight for national liberation and how the working class and people of oppressed nations must unite against capitalism and use socialism to crush their enemies.

As imperialism continues to more depraved actions, the conflict between the oppressed nations of the world and the monopoly capitalists sharpens. All over the world, we are seeing examples of freedom fighters defeating and leaving the monopoly capitalists embarrassed and confused. In Iran the U.S.’s imperialist war has backfired spectacularly; Palestinian resistance continues to hold firm against Israel and the U.S., and here in the belly of the beast, the American working class is striking blows against Trump's attacks. If these fights have shown one thing, it has shown that when the people unite against the imperialists, they can win!

#ChicagoIL #IL #StudentMovement #SDS #FRSO #International #Venezuela

Brooklyn, NY – On the afternoon of May 3, a dozen protesters gathered outside of the Metropolitan Denton Center, to mark the fourth month that President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores have been detained in the federal walls.

Every month, anti-war and international solidarity activists gather in front of the detention center to demand the freedom of Maduro and Flores.

Barbara Fagundes of Brooklyn Against War asked, “President Maduro, can you hear us?” as reports say that the imprisoned Venezuelan dignitaries have heard the chants in the past months. Fagundes continued, “The operation cost American taxpayers billions of dollars, involving airstrikes and extraction, shocking the world, raising questions about sovereignty, justice and power.”

This month, two important figures spoke, Charles and Inez Barron, two former New York governmental figures and longtime civil rights activists. Each of their speeches highlighted the injustice of imprisoning Maduro and Flores, and they echoed the demands to see them free.

Protest organizers are awaiting news about the next hearing, which will be held in the next 60 days. They are committed to showing up and demanding freedom for Maduro and Flores!

#BrooklynNY #NY #AntiWarMovement #International #Venezuela #BAW

New Students for a Democratic Society at UIC decided to hold this film screening as this April marks 24 years since this U.S.-backed attempted coup and the current U.S. attacks on Venezuela and President Nicolás Maduro.

The film showed how Hugo Chávez rose to power by fighting and providing an alternative to neoliberalism, making him popular among the poor and hated by the rich. One of Chávez’s most important issues was using the profits from Venezuela’s abundant oil for social programs to benefit all Venezuelans, instead of simply lining the pockets of the wealthiest.

One key aspect of the film was showing how corporate media in Venezuela slandered and spread lies about Hugo Chávez and the movement he led. This happened throughout the entirety of his political life but culminated during the attempted coup when opposition TV media accused Chavistas of firing on crowds of opposition protesters. However, Barley and O’Briain exposed the holes in this narrative by showing that the channels spreading this narrative purposefully didn’t show the full picture in their video clips and showed how opposition leaders admitted to orchestrating a media plan to overthrow the democratically elected President Hugo Chávez.

In the discussion led by New SDS members Dani Espinoza and Victor Silva, students talked about the events of the film in relation to the current day and issues of corporate media bias against popular movements, the history of U.S. foreign involvement, struggles against neoliberalism around the world and more.

In the discussion, Sathvika Gowda from New SDS explained, “Venezuela is one of the most oil-rich countries in the world and Hugo Chávez and the Bolivarian movement have used this money to benefit the common good, which is why they are so hated by the U.S. oil corporations and U.S. government.”

This sentiment was echoed by others who discussed other instances of U.S. involvement in Latin America motivated by extreme corporate greed and disregard for the people of the continent.

Before ending the event, students expressed the importance of standing against U.S. attacks and involvement in foreign countries today, and the need for students to stand against the current U.S. intervention in Venezuela and kidnapping of current President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

#ChicagoIL #IL #AntiWarMovement #International #Venezuela #StudentMovement #SDS

Brooklyn, NY – On the early evening of April 3, a dozen people gathered outside of the Metropolitan Detention Center to observe Good Friday. The vigil was called by Black Alliance for Peace on what is also the three-month anniversary of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores’ kidnapping.

On January 3, the Trump administration launched an attack on Caracas, Venezuela to kidnap the two government officials. In the process, they murdered over 100 people. Some of the people murdered couldn’t even be identified because all that was left of them was a melted body.

The protesters took turns giving speeches, saying the names of the deceased, and lighting candles to honor those who had been martyred.

The speakers expertly connected the religious overtone of the day to martyrs in Venezuela and Cuba. They brought up the ongoing war for oil, the blockade in Cuba, and how U.S. imperialism is teetering on the edge of self-destruction.

The protesters are part of a loose coalition of solidarity for Venezuela who will continue to show up on the 3rd of every month until President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores are free!

#NewYorkNY #NY #Venezuela #Maduro #CiliaFlores #Cuba #AntiWarMovement #PeoplesStruggles

Chicago, IL – On Thursday, March 26, the Anti-War Committee – Chicago (AWC) held an online rally in support of Venezuela’s l President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores to coincide with their second court date in New York City.

Elinor Keener of AWC opened the virtual rally with, “Today, against international law, the United States has decided to charge the democratically-elected President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife First Lady Cilia Flores with the grotesque charges of drug trafficking, an accusation that has no material basis.”

Reece Johnson from Good Kids Mad City stated, “The United Snakes have abducted President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores de Maduro under the same bullshit justification that this racist country mainly locks up poor, Black, and brown so-called U.S. citizens.”

Rania Salem, an organizer with the US-Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), stated “The propaganda used to justify this war is the same propaganda used to justify the occupation and genocide of Palestine. Bombing is sold as law enforcement; regime change is sold as democracy. And these are the same lies used to justify the ongoing aggression against Iran, the destruction of Iraq, the coup in Libya, the war on Syria, the devastation of Yemen, starvation of Cuba and the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza,”

Jae Franklin a member of AWC and Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), discussed their experience visiting Venezuela on a solidarity mission three weeks before the kidnapped Maduro and Flores.

Franklin spoke about visiting the base areas of the Bolivarian Revolution and forging ties with Venezuelan comrades, emphasizing why it is so important to rise up and demand freedom for Venezuela’s democratically elected leaders, “They are imprisoned for demanding freedom for their people, so now it is our responsibility to amplify the demand for their freedom.”

Christian Pich Ortiz, a Venezuelan and Bolivarian militant joined the rally from the Salvador Allende – Hugo Chavez Medical School in Caracas, an internationalist medical school where thousands of students from all over the world, including Palestinians, are able to study for free.

Pich’s own neighbors were murdered by the U.S. military during its attack on Venezuela, but seeing the streets filled with people defending Venezuela and its revolution filled him with the conviction that the Patria Grande is at hand.

“We are in the struggle now, and we cannot separate from each other,” Pich said, referencing the united front against imperialism around the world, especially with the ongoing war on Iran.

Jae Franklin brought the virtual rally to a close by sharing a video recording of a Venezuelan communard from El Panel Comune, summarizing the essence of the Bolivarian revolution: “It wasn’t so long ago that the United States declared Venezuela an extraordinary threat…and that’s true! But not because we have atomic weapons or missiles. It is because of our consciousness. We have consciousness and we have heart. A heart to the left.”

For more updates on actions surrounding President Maduro and First Lady Flores' case in the Chicago area, follow @antiwarchicago on social media.

#ChicagoIL #IL #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela

Caracas, Venezuela – In a meeting chaired by Francisco Torrealba, past president of the Venezuela Transport Workers Union, and current deputy of the National Assembly, international trade unionists heard updates from Venezuelan leaders.

Longtime Bolivarian Revolution leader Eduardo Piñate shared an assessment of the situation in Venezuela post-January 3 with the group during a meeting in early March. As he mentioned the many fronts that U.S. imperialism is intervening in, including China, the Middle East, Russia/Ukraine, and Latin America and the Caribbean, Piñate then spoke to Venezuela’s place in the international scene. Piñate stated, “With the world’s largest oil reserves, the top ten largest reserves of natural gas, rare earth minerals, biodiversity, and fresh water, we have resources for trade and development. But since we are pursuing an alternative model, one with a revolutionary direction, we are a threat to the United States’ system of capitalism. This is why they attacked us on January 3.”

Piñate continued “But I want to make clear a number of political victories. One: President Maduro and Cilia Flores are alive; two, the U.S. could not occupy our national territory; three, there are no internal forces, no base for fascist reactionaries and no rallies anywhere in the country celebrated the bombing, in fact the people been in the streets constantly since the attack; four, we had a successful constitution transition to an acting president and swore in a new National Assembly as our laws dictate. All of this has allowed us to maintain our political direction. We had tactical flexibility in the moment that meant we did not lose power despite our leader being kidnapped.” He added, “I have trust and confidence in the revolutionary direction we have, of Chavez, of Maduro, of heroic resistance of the last ten plus years, we are not a colony of the gringos.”

After two years as minister of People’s Power in the Social Process of Labor, Piñate will continue in his other role as part of the executive secretariat of the president of United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). Appointed as new minister is Carlos Alexis Castillo who brings years of legal and judicial experience in labor law.

During the subsequent meeting on March 20, PSUV Vice President of Foreign Relations Tania Dias laid bare the harsh reality of the early hours of January 3. With over 15,000 military personnel and scores of naval and aircraft on their shores, the plan to actualize the threat took place. “The cruel, barbarous regime of Donald Trump told us to negotiate or they’ll bomb the entire city in ten minutes,” she said. “One does not negotiate with kidnappers like this,” Diaz added. “While they kidnapped my close, personal friends, we are in strong, capable hands with Delcy as acting president.”

Diaz continued with an assessment of the current political situation and the failure of the U.S. to create regime change: “The power isn't just with the executive, nor the National Assembly; real democratic power is with the people. We have thousands of comunas, PSUV elected committees in nearly all the streets of the country. Popular militias coordinated with our army, the union. This is the vision of Comandante Chavez, carried further by President Maduro, and deepening the revolution.”

“This is why all the attempts at psychological warfare like false media narratives, misinformation aimed at sowing division and undermining our confidence have failed: the people have political power here,” Diaz emphasized.

#CaracasVZ #VZ #International #Venezuela #PSUV #Labor #Maudro

Tampa. FL – On Thursday, March 26, Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) rallied in solidarity on the same day of the second New York City court hearing of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

Students gathered in front of the Tampa’s Sam M. Gibbons Federal Courthouse in solidarity with Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores who are facing bogus federal charges. Students were also there to demanding U.S. out of Latin America and hands off Venezuela.

While downtown traffic passed by, students chanted “From Venezuela to the Middle East, end the U.S. war machine!” and “Hands off Venezuela now!”

Students were passionate and determined to continue the anti-war movement and to fight back against U.S. intervention.

“For years, the United States has reached into Latin America and tried to shape what happens in countries like Venezuela,” Jayce Solis, a member of Tampa Bay SDS, said. “Today’s rally was about making it clear that we’re not going to stay silent and we’re going to keep pushing back against U.S. intervention in Venezuela and in other countries too.”

#TampaFL #FL #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela

Tucson was a part of mobilizations across the U.S., Venezuela and the world in solidarity with the democratically-elected President Maduro and Bolivarian Revolution leader Cilia Flores, who is also an elected deputy in the Venezuelan National Assembly.

Maduro was a bus driver and trade union leader and Flores was the lawyer who built the case for Hugo Chavez to be freed from prison in the 1990s. Since the illegal bombing of Venezuela and kidnapping of these leaders on January 3, Venezuelans have constantly taken the streets demanding the return of their leaders.

#TucsonAZ #AZ #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #TAWC

Washington, D.C. – On Sunday, March 22, activists from around the DMV [DC, Maryland and Virginia area] embraced the unseasonable 85-degree F spring heat and gathered in front of the State Department with signs that read “No U.S. war on Venezuela” and “Freedom for Maduro now.”

“In five days, the U.S. intends to put Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on trial in a kangaroo court,” said a member of the Anti-War Committee DMV, “Trump thinks he can get away with kidnapping foreign presidents just to get his way, we’re here to show him we won’t let that happen!”

While the group initially gathered in front of the State Department, a quick decision was made to march down to the White House, to meet the large crowds of people that were there on a hot and sunny Sunday. The gathered their things and sprang into action. Chants of “We want peace, you say how! Freedom for Maduro now!” and “From Venezuela to the Philippines! Stop the U.S war machine!” boomed from the speaker system as the group made their way onto Constitution Avenue.

As they passed by the parks, DC residents who were there began to join in, whether chanting along or moving to the rhythm. This prompted calls of “Let’s tell them what the people need! Out of the park, into the streets!” from the marchers, at which point some observers even began to get up and join the march.

When they arrived at the White House, the group stationed themselves directly in front of Lafayette Park. This caught the attention of several National Guard troops nearby; the crowd turned their attention to them with chants of “Troops go home!” which several passersby responded to by joining in with fervor.

DC Against the Trump Agenda leader Merawi Gerima told the crowd, “I grew up here in DC, as a native Washingtonian, and we know firsthand what it feels like to be occupied with these National Guard troops,” said Gerima, “that’s why we fight for an end to occupation of Venezuela, a free Maduro; we also fight for an end to occupation of Iran, an end to sanctions on Cuba, and an end to U.S. occupation everywhere.”

The action was a joint effort of AWC-DMV, Anakbayan DC, International League of Peoples Struggles (ILPS), Freedom Road Socialist Organization DC (FRSO DC), DCATA, and the DC Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (DCAARPR).

The DCAARPR representative stated, “The greatest weapon in the hands of the people is our unity and unity is the greatest fear of our enemies! When we fight together, we win together!”

#WashigtonDC #DC #Venezuela #Maduro #International #AntiWarMovement #DCAARPR #DCATA

New Orleans, LA – On March 3, New Orleans Stop Helping Israel’s Ports (NOSHIP) hosted a rally and march against the escalatory U.S. sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela as well as the unprovoked attacks against Iran that have killed upwards of 900 people.

The protesters marched through the French Quarter and gained supportive cheers and fist pumps from workers and tourists alike.

Speakers at the event pledged to continue the solidarity with nations attacked by U.S. imperialism and the oppressed nationalities and communities here in the United States. Mich González from the New Orleans-based Sanctuary Now Abolition Project (SNAP) referred to colonized peoples saying, “We are testing grounds all the time for the policies of imperialism and victimization.”

Luke Rojas Nogueira of the Communist Party USA also spoke in support of imperialized nations saying, “Cuba never kidnapped my neighbors and deported them far from their homes. It wasn't the knee of an Iranian that crushed the neck of George Floyd.” He continued “Our enemies have never been abroad, and those who oppressed us here are the same people who drop bombs that are brothers and sisters in Latin America, West Asia, and Africa.”

#NewOrleansLA #LA #AntiWarMovement #Iran #Cuba #Venezuela #NOSHIP

Brooklyn, NY – On March 8, close to 80 people marched to the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) to commemorate International Women’s Day and demand the kidnapped First Lady of Venezuela, Cilia Flores, be released by the Trump Administration. Cilia Flores was kidnapped alongside her husband, Venezuelan President Maduro, in the January 3 U.S. attack on Venezuela.

Michela Martinazzi of Brooklyn Against War opened the rally by saying, “Today, we’re going to march onto the Metropolitan Detention Center where First Combatant Cilia Flores and President Maduro are being held waiting for their sham trial. But I also want to shout out BAYAN, who across the river, in Manhattan, are giving the Philippines President Marcos hell for even daring to show his face!

“Both the Philippines and Venezuela have been ravaged by U.S. imperialism and endless wars. Both nations should be free from the evil clutches of the U.S. war machine and be able to determine their own destinies!”

The rally began with chants of “Free the prisoners, free them all! Free Cilia from these walls!” before taking up the entire sidewalk and marching to the front of the Metropolitan Detention Center.

The attendees held flower signs reading “Free Cilia Flores” and held yellow flowers made of paper, a symbol often associated with International Woman’s Day. Banners were affixed to the chain link fence adjacent the prison reading “Justice for Cilia Flores” and “Free President Maduro and Cilia Flores.”

Sara Flounders of Workers World Party gave a passionate speech about who Cilia Flores is and her role in the Bolivarian Revolution.

Shivani Ishwar from the Freedom Road Socialist Organization said, “So no, the U.S. does not care about women. The empire cannot even understand what it means to care about women. Because true liberation for women, just like true liberation for all of us, can only be born from socialism – the antithesis to the capitalist, imperialist machine.”

The rally was organized by Brooklyn Against War (BAW), alongside the Venezuela Solidarity Network, Workers World Party, Students for a Democratic Society NYU, New York Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Black Alliance for Peace, Palaver Collective, Bronx Anti War, and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

The next major action for Venezuela will be the hearing for President Maduro and First Combatant Cilia Flores on March 26 in New York City.

#NewYorkNY #NY #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela

Denver, CO – Around two dozen activists in Denver gather in front of Colorado Senator Michael Bennet’s office to demand that he oppose Trump’s recent escalations against Cuba and that he support the release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

The rally was called by Denver Anti-War Action (DAWA) in response to a national call for a day of action from the Anti-War Action Network, addressing the urgency in resisting Trump’s attacks on Venezuela, Cuba and Iran.

Protesters gathered in front of the building and occupied the space right next to Speer Boulevard during rush hour, allowing thousands of cars driving by to see banners demanding “No war with Venezuela” and “Reel in Trump.” Members of the crowd held Cuban and Venezuelan flags as well as signs to show solidarity with the countries under attack. DAWA members spoke out against Donald Trump’s actions and the disastrous effects they have had so far.

Salym Mead of DAWA told the crowd, “In the early morning of January 3, 2026, the United States forces launched an aggressive, illegal and large-scale attack on Venezuela. During the attack, 83 people were killed and more than 112 were injured. The U.S. forces then kidnapped the president and his wife.”

Mead contined, “Since the abduction, the United States has been controlling the Venezuelan people’s oil, stealing 50 million barrels for themselves, and shipping more to Israel to continue their genocide of the Palestinian people. Cuba – who heavily relied on Venezuelan oil – has been affected greatly by Maduro’s abduction.”

Born and raised in Cuba, Dailyn Briñas with Cuba Sí Colorado said, “Most of my family in Cuba is living without power for 12-plus hours, with rotting food, little to no medicine and are missing basic supplies.”

Briñas continued, “The oil siege that has been employed recently has made transportation in the country virtually impossible.” This has resulted in produce that is still being farmed spoiling prior to distribution. Soon, Briñas will be traveling with a convoy to bring humanitarian aid to Cuba in an attempt to break the siege.

The energy stayed high in the crowd as the emcee raised chants such as “No boots on the ground, no bombs in the air! U.S. out of everywhere!” DAWA has always spoken out against U.S. aggression and intervention, and the grassroots group is taking to the streets to lead emergency actions to raise awareness about the current military madness

As cars drove past the action, the streets were filled with car horns honking in support. Motorists waved and raised fists and peace signs in solidarity with the community members.

While the president has made promises of no new wars, he has escalated military might in many countries this year alone and the people have had enough. The propaganda that Trump and the billionaire war profiteers are trying to sell the people is not working. The people are ready to take a stand against war and the criminal actions of the Trump administration.

#DenverCO #CO #AntiWarMovement #Cuba #Venezuela

San Jose, CA – On the evening of Tuesday, March 3, about 40 people gathered in front of the steps of Dr. MLK Jr. Library in the heart of downtown San Jose to protest U.S. intervention in Venezuela, the intensified blockade on Cuba, and the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.

A colorful array of flags for Cuba, Venezuela and Iran flew, along with signs saying, “End the blockade on Cuba,” “Hands off Venezuela” and “No war with Iran.”

Drusie Kazanova, member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization told the crowd, “It’s barely March, we’ve already seen Trump escalate his aggression against Cuba, Venezuela and Iran, three of the world’s strongest and most steadfast opponents of U.S. imperialism.”

Kazanova continued, “The decline of U.S. imperialism is accelerating. Trump is trying to preserve the dying U.S. empire, and control of the Middle East and Latin America is a part of that project.”

Nassim Nouri, an Iranian-American and member of the Green Party of Santa Clara County, said, “Every socialist country that has raised its fist, its hope, its humanity and its resources for the people, has been subjected to crushing attacks and sanctions and deprivation by the U.S. empire.”

Akubundu Amazu of the All African Peoples Revolutionary Party spoke to the crowd, “There is a common denominator between all these places that U.S. imperialism goes against and that is oil. They all have resources that this war machine desperately needs. But the people are organizing against this!”

Joan Simon of the San Jose Peace and Justice Center spoke about the difference in peoples’ rights in Cuba and the U.S. saying, “In the Cuban constitution everyone has the right to healthcare and education. Just think about how different our country could be if we prioritized people over profit. That is why Cuba is such a danger to the U.S.”

Dyon Capote, a Cuban-American and member of San Jose Against War said, “We will not be silent at the time when Trump launches wars of aggression, and justifies the kidnapping of Venezuela’s president. Nor will we remain silent when the U.S. intensifies a policy of economic warfare on Cuba!”

Sharat Lin, another member of the San Jose Peace and Justice speaking on their experience observing elections in Cuba and Venezuela and compared it to U.S. elections, saying, “The turnout in Cuba’s constitutional referendum was 90% whereas in the U.S. we’re lucky if we get 60% participation,” highlighting how much more confidence Cubans have in their democracy than their counterparts in the U.S.

Tim Phan of Students for a Democratic Society at San Jose State University stated, “We condemn the U.S. Israeli strikes on not just Iran, but on Palestine and the rest of the world!”

Phan continued, “From Mexico to the Philippines, to Palestine and Iran, we will stop the American war machine and say, ‘Hell no!’”

The rally ended with a call to action by San Jose Against War and their allies to mobilize at the San Jose City Council meeting on March 24 at 1:30 p.m. to demand the city pass an ethical investment policy which would divest and bar any further investment in companies with ties to Israel, ICE and the prison system.

#SanJoseCA #CA #Cuba #Venezuela #Iran #AntiWarMovement

Detroit, MI — Over 80 people came out to a protest called by the Detroit Anti-War Committee, on March 3, to oppose the bombing on the Iran by the U.S. and Israel, as well as the continued attacks on the Venezuela and Cuba.

Detroit Anti-War Committee was joined by Code Pink Detroit, and Wayne State Students for a Democratic Society, along with community members. Many people were waving Iranian flags, and signs reading, “Detroit for peace not war!” During the protest, people chanted, “Israel bombs, USA pays, how many kids we kill today!”

Rose from Detroit Anti-War Committee stated that these attacks on Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran “is Trump’s playbook.” At the same time, she also said, “The people aren’t falling for the lies that Venezuelans are all narco-terrorists, nor are we falling for the lie that he has the interest of the Palestinian, the Iranian or the Cuban peoples at heart.”

Even as the sun was setting for the day, many of the attendees of the rally who were fasting for the month of Ramadan were still outside chanting, “We want justice, you say how? Detroit, divest now!” It is clear that Detroiters oppose Trump’s war on Iran and stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela and Cuba.

#DetroitMI #MI #Cuba #Venezuela #Iran #AntiWarMovement

Brooklyn, NY — On the rainy and blustery evening, March 3, around 50 people gathered in front of the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

The protesters hailed from various antiwar organizations, such as Brooklyn Against War, Workers World Party, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, the Venezuela Solidarity Network, Black Alliance for Peace, and Bronx Antiwar.

March 3 marks the second month since President Maduro and First Lady Flores were kidnapped by the U.S. government. They are currently awaiting trial based on sham charges at the Metropolitan Detention Center.

The action was part of a day of action called by the UNAC, and the Antiwar Action Network.

Despite the frigid temperatures and rain, the protesters were passionate in their chants and speeches. Chants included “We want justice, you say how? Free Maduro right now! Free Cilia right now!”

Michela Martinazzi, a member of Brooklyn Against War, opened the action by saying, “We’re here because the U.S. government feels like they have a right to kidnap a democratically-elected president of a sovereign nation. This is wrong! This entire case is wrong!”

Sara Flounders of the Workers World Party spoke of the importance of showing solidarity with the people of Venezuela, stating, “We are joining thousands of people around the world. We are joining thousands of Venezuelans who want their president back.”

The rally continued with powerful speeches and with a message from Roger Waters, of Pink Floyd, who called into the rally to deliver a message of solidarity.

The action ended with Martinazzi reminding the crowd to continue showing support for President Maduro, Cilia Flores, and Venezuela on March 8 for International Women’s Day, and March 26 for their next court appearance.

#NewYorkNY #NY #NYC #Maduro #Venezuela #AntiWarMovement

Brooklyn, NY- On Friday evening, February 27, dozens of Brooklyn community members gathered for a special screening of the 2003 documentary The Revolution Will Not be Televised—a film that captures first hand the failed, U.S.-backed coup attempt in 2002. The event was held in collaboration with the venue, The Boyfriend Co-op, a queer leftist organizing space and cafe.

The film showed the role that anti-worker media played in enabling the failed coup, and the importance of mass mobilizations and community organizing in rescuing Venezuelan sovereignty and defending the Bolivarian Revolution.

Members of Brooklyn Against War discussed the continuity of Venezuela’s democratic governance from Chávez to Maduro and emphasized the importance of standing up and holding the Trump administration accountable for its renewed attacks on the Venezuelan people and their democratically elected government.

Brooklyn Against War member Michela Martinazzi stated, “Whether it’s an attack on Venezuela, Palestine, Cuba, Iran, or any other country, those billions of dollars are being spent to bomb and murder people, and to steal their resources and destabilize their countries. The U.S. has no right to do that, and that money should be spent on programs that working people need.”

Brooklyn Against War will continue mobilizing against the U.S. aggression towards Venezuela, and has announced a march for First Lady Cilia Flores in honor of International Women’s Day, on March 8. Organizers and community members will march to the jail where Cilia is being held and host a speak-out in her honor.

#BrooklynNY #NY #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #BAW

Salt Lake City, UT — On Valentine's Day, February 14, about a dozen people gathered at the Riverside Library on the west side of Salt Lake for an educational panel hosted by the Utah Anti-War Committee. The event focused on the anti-war movement and the struggle for immigrant rights.

The discussion centered U.S. intervention abroad and immigration. Speakers criticized the Utah organization 47G, a public-private defense industry consortium, concluding that investment in war profiteering binds communities materially and politically to imperial violence overseas.

Adam Karotz, a longtime local activist and member of the Utah Anti-War Committee, traced the roots of the modern anti-war movement through opposition to the Vietnam War and the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

“The bulk of U.S. troops stayed in Iraq until 2011. Millions of Iraqis have died as a direct result of the U.S. invasion and occupation. Generations will continue to suffer the health effects of depleted Uranium use, just as generations of Vietnamese people have suffered from the use of napalm,” said Karotz.

The panel connected environmental hazards, economic despair, opioid crisis, rising homelessness, labor trafficking and militarized policing in the U.S. to the same powerful groups that drive foreign intervention. Participants characterized the criminalization of addiction and poverty as a continuation of domestic war by other means.

Collin Grannis of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization condemned the kidnapping of Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, stating, “The United States does not have the right to pluck sovereign leaders out of their countries, even if they disagree with their policies.” Grannis called out the U.S. attack as a blatant violation of international law and national sovereignty, characteristic of the longstanding history of U.S. intervention in Latin America.

Adrian Romero, a local community organizer and Utah Anti War Committee member, shifted the focus to immigrant rights, stating, “Today, immigration and border policies have become super-militarized and increasingly, dangerously, hostile towards anyone that stands in their way.”

Speakers drew parallels between immigrant detention, the incarceration of homeless and mentally ill people, and labor trafficking and social control under the Trump regime. They urged attendees to see anti-war work not as a single-issue cause, but as part of a broader movement against imperialism, racism and state violence.

Earlier this year, The Utah Anti-War Committee organized a letter-writing campaign in support of President Maduro.

The Utah Anti-War Committee organized the event and will continue to fight against imperialism and war in Salt Lake valley. They invite community members to join their meetings and organizing efforts.

#SaltLakeCityUT #UT #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #UAWC

Minneapolis, MN – 30 people gathered in 16-degree weather in the heart of Minneapolis on February 7 to call for U.S. hands off Venezuela, Cuba and Iran, after weeks and months of tension, threats of escalation, and direct attacks on these sovereign counties.

The Minnesota Peace Action Coalition organized the action as part of an International Day of Action called by the Unione Sindicale di Base (USB), a dockworkers union located in Genoa, Italy. The dockworkers union called for the day of protest to shut down the U.S. war machine.

The cold weather did not discourage the crowd in their energy as they filled the streets with chants of “We will say it every time; U.S. sanctions are a crime!” and “From Venezuela to Falasteen, stop the U.S. war machine!”

Speakers addressed the parallels between the attacks from ICE in Minnesota to Trump’s attacks on Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran.

Yossi Aharoni, a member of the Minnesota Anti-War Committee and Minnesota Peace Action Coalition, stated, “Six months ago in a brazen act of aggression and escalation the Trump administration attacked the nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz in Iran. One month ago, the Trump administration kidnapped the sitting president of a sovereign nation, President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela, killing over 30 Cuban bodyguards along with dozens of Venezuelans. Two months ago in December 2025, the Trump administration began Operation Metro Surge, which can only be described as a federal occupation of the Twin Cities.”

Aharoni continued, “Both ICE and the IOF [Israeli occupation forces] rely on Palantir’s AI surveillance technology data to track and capture their victims. The bombs dropped on civilians in Gaza are made by the same companies that build the bombs that Trump and Netanyahu drop on Iran. The same 200-year-old Monroe Doctrine that Trump uses to justify attacks against Venezuela are used against Cuba; Trump believes the U.S. can treat Latin America like its own backyard! The same threats that Trump makes against Venezuela are made against Cuba.”

Allison Gunderson, a member of the Minnesota Anti-War Committee and the Women Against Military Madness, participated in a U.S. delegation to Venezuela in December and spoke about the need to stand with the people of Venezuela and President Maduro against U.S. attacks.

Gunderson stated, “It is our duty to stand with Venezuela, Cuba, Latin America and the Caribbean and demand an end to U.S. interventions, devastating sanctions, and the stealing of resources and wealth from these countries!” She continued, “We cannot allow the Trump administration to do whatever it wants, especially not waltz into any country it pleases and kidnap their democratically elected leaders, as Trump has made it clear he intends to do to Cuba next! We must demand President Maduro and First Combatant Cilia Flores be released and we must be ready to get in the streets to protest these sham court proceedings. We have to let it be known we say hell no to Trump's efforts to criminalize the Bolivarian revolution!”

Oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba have been cut off as a result of the U.S. attack on Caracas, Venezuela. Cuba is now facing an energy crisis; this, combined with the pre-existing embargo, will directly threaten the lives of the people.

Demonstrators held signs saying, “Hands off Venezuela” and “No war with Iran.”

Dex Davis explained why he felt the need to show up in the streets. “How can anyone build a life when a foreign power controls their access to medicine, food, fuel, electricity and education? This is the reality for people in Cuba, Venezuela and Iran.”

As Minnesotans continue to respond to the attacks by ICE in their communities, it is clear they are making connections to Trump’s attacks abroad and will keep showing up in the streets.

#MinneapolisMN #MN #AntiWarMovement #Iran #Venezuela #Cuba #MNAWC #WAMM #MPAC

Brooklyn, NY — On February 3, dozens of people gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center to mark the one-month anniversary since the United States attacked Venezuela and kidnapped President Maduro and First Lady Flores.

The rally was called by the Venezuela Solidarity Network, and several important anti-war organization endorsed and attended, such as Workers World Party, Black Alliance for Peace, Palaver Collective and Brooklyn Against War.

Mumia Abu-Jamal, a current political prisoner, called into the protest via phone to give a speech in solidarity for Maduro and Flores, stating, “An empire attacks a poor, weaker state, and demands the lion’s share of its richest raw material – oil. Why is it not a stick up?”

Members of several organizations gave powerful speeches, urging the crowd to fight for Venezuela, President Maduro and First Lady Flores.

The rally ended with a recorded message by Nicolás Maduro Guerra, President Maduro’s son, who urged the people of the United States to keep fighting and that Venezuelans are fighting with them.

#BrooklynNY #NY #AntiWarMovement #International #Venezuela #Maduro #BAW #VSN #WWP #BAP

New York, NY – On the afternoon of January 31, over 50 New Yorkers gathered in Times Square to stand in solidarity with Venezuela. The crowd was fired up and rowdy, despite below freezing temperatures.

The leading chant, “Viva viva Venezuela! Lucha lucha Venezuela!” could be heard throughout the plaza.

The rally was part of a week of action in solidarity with Venezuela called by the United National Antiwar Coalition. The principal demands were to free President Maduro and First Lady Flores, who were kidnapped by the United States government on January 3 of this year.

There were speeches throughout the rally and march. At the first location, Michela Martinazzi from Brooklyn Against War spoke and she said, “We are close to the one-month anniversary of when The Trump administration bombed Caracas and kidnapped President Maduro and First Combatant Cilia Flores. This is a damn shame! The greedy Trump administration went into Venezuela, claiming he was there for democracy, when we know it's for oil!”

The march continued to an Exxon Mobil-owned building in Midtown for another round of speeches. The final stop was at the Simon Bolivar statue at the edge of Central Park.

#NewYorkNY #NY #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #BAW