Full Breakdown
Chaotic Protest in Dearborn Sparks Allegations of Police Inaction
11/20/2025, 8:05:27 PM
Overview of the Protest and Allegations
A protest in Dearborn, Michigan, on November 18, 2023, escalated into chaos, leading to allegations of assaults and police inaction. The event, which featured anti-Islam demonstrators and counter-protesters, drew significant attention due to the city's substantial Muslim population and ongoing tensions surrounding religious freedoms. Conservative influencer and journalist Cam Higby, who was covering the protest, reported being stalked and assaulted, describing the scene as "total lawlessness."
Eyewitness Accounts and Allegations
Higby recounted his experience during the protest, stating that he was pepper-sprayed and robbed while documenting the confrontations. He approached a police officer to report the incident but claimed the officer dismissed his concerns, stating he could not leave his post. Higby expressed frustration over the police's lack of action, saying, "It didn’t seem like any of the police were motivated to enforce any kind of law." He ultimately left Dearborn without filing a report due to safety concerns.
During the city council meeting following the protest, various participants presented conflicting narratives. Isaac Thomas, an anti-Islam protester, claimed that their peaceful demonstration was met with violence and that police were overwhelmed. He stated, "Multiple people were assaulted. It was caught on video, and we would like to make police reports for the assaults that happened to us." Conversely, counter-protesters from the far-left group By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) criticized the police for not taking stronger action against the anti-Islam demonstrators.
Official Responses and Community Reactions
The Dearborn Police Department defended its actions, stating that officers responded quickly and made three arrests for disorderly behavior. Police Chief Issa Shahin expressed pride in the department's response, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining safety in the community. Mayor Abdullah Hammoud acknowledged the unrest but praised residents for their composure during the protests.
Activists from BAMN, including Adrian Lupkiewich and Liana Mulholland, voiced their discontent with the police's handling of the situation. Lupkiewich accused the police of protecting the anti-Islam demonstrators, urging the council to "stand in solidarity with the people here today that are condemning fascism." Mulholland commended the counter-protesters for successfully dispersing the anti-Islam activists, stating, "Dearborn really set the model for how to deal with these situations."
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The accounts from various participants in the protest highlight significant discrepancies regarding police actions and the nature of the confrontations. While Higby and Thomas reported a lack of police intervention and multiple assaults, the Dearborn Police Department maintained that they managed the situation effectively. The differing perspectives underscore the complexities surrounding the event and the community's response to the protests.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I went and told one of your officers … that this had happened. He told me there was nothing that could be done about it unless I went to the station,” — Cam Higby, Journalist
- “It was caught on video, and we would like to make police reports for the assaults that happened to us.” — Isaac Thomas, Anti-Islam Protester
