Tensions erupted at a Dearborn City Council meeting last week after Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud told a Christian resident that he was “not welcome” in the city for objecting to new street signs honoring Arab American News publisher Osama Siblani.

The exchange occurred when Edward “Ted” Barham, a Dearborn resident, voiced concerns about Wayne County’s decision to place signs at intersections along Warren Avenue bearing Siblani’s name.

FOX 2 Detroit reported that the signs were authorized and installed by Wayne County, not by the City of Dearborn.

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Barham introduced himself as a city resident and explained his opposition to the designation.

“He’s a promoter of Hezbollah and Hamas,” Barham said, before citing past remarks from Siblani.

He quoted one of Siblani’s statements: “He talks about how the blood of the martyrs irrigates the land of Palestine … whether we are in Michigan and whether we are in Yemen. Believe me, everyone should fight within his means. They will fight with stones, others will fight with guns, others fight with planes, drones, and rockets.”

Barham compared the decision to naming a road “Hezbollah Street or Hamas Street,” describing it as provocative and contrary to the values he wanted to promote as a Christian.

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He closed his remarks by quoting scripture: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Several council members interrupted to caution Barham against “personal attacks” and to note that the city itself had no control over the county’s actions.

One clarified, “The sign that was placed on Warren Avenue which is a County road and that was done by the Wayne County Executive.”

Still, Barham maintained that the issue was significant to Dearborn residents because the signs were located in their city.

Mayor Hammoud then issued remarks that quickly drew attention and criticism.

“The best suggestion I have for you is to not drive on Warren Avenue or to close your eyes while you’re doing it. His name is up there and I spoke at a ceremony celebrating it because he’s done a lot for this community,” Hammoud said.

The mayor escalated further, directly attacking Barham.

“You are a bigot, and you are racist, and you’re an Islamophobe,” Hammoud stated.

He concluded, “Although you live here, I want you to know as mayor, you are not welcome here. And the day you move out of the city will be the day that I launch a parade celebrating the fact that you moved out of this city.”

The mayor needs to be investigated for 18 USC 242 violations.

Did the mayor’s conduct go beyond mere words? Did he instruct his underlings to harass and retaliate against “Islamophobic” citizens?@HarmeetKDhillon @AAGDhillon https://t.co/9Ja7c2Qx0M

— Douglass Mackey (@DougMackeyCase) September 17, 2025

The controversy centers on Wayne County’s August decision to honor Siblani, who has been a prominent figure in Arab American media.

The county commission approved the designation, and Hammoud joined other officials at a ceremony marking the unveiling of the signs.

Dearborn, which has the highest percentage of Muslim residents of any city in the United States, has often wrestled with questions of cultural and political representation.

For many in attendance, the moment raised concerns about whether city leaders are prepared to hear opposing viewpoints or whether dissenting residents risk being dismissed outright.

While county officials formally authorized the street designations, the fallout from Hammoud’s comments has placed Dearborn’s political climate under renewed scrutiny.

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