The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) echoes the Dearborn Police Department’s call urging the public not to confront or engage with outside groups expected to come to Dearborn during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

In a public message, Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin confirmed that the Police Department and its law enforcement partners are aware of individuals and groups from outside the community who are anticipated to travel to Dearborn on August 18, 2026.

Past experiences show that these outside groups deliberately seek attention and attempt to provoke confrontations. Their aim is to trigger reactions by any means to gain publicity. The Dearborn Police Department has prepared a comprehensive security plan and is coordinating closely with local, state, and federal agencies.

The guidance is clear: Do not argue with them. Do not confront them. Do not give them the reaction or footage they are seeking. They are free to come, but the community must not fall into their traps or allow any form of negative confrontation or violence. Do not grant them attention. Avoid them and keep your distance.

This is not an isolated attempt to defame Dearborn or its residents. The city and its leadership, particularly Mayor Hammoud, have been subjected to ongoing threats and attacks. This is part of a broader wave of hostility targeting the Arab and Muslim American community in Dearborn. Yet Dearborn’s rich diversity has consistently prevailed despite hateful misrepresentations.

AHRC remains in active communication with local and federal law enforcement regarding this sensitive and alarming matter. Public safety is a shared responsibility between the community and the police.

AHRC urges the community to remain responsibly vigilant. Report any suspicious behavior to the police and let law enforcement manage these incidents. This is a collective concern, not an individual one. What matters most is preserving peace, civility, and unity.