Controversy over Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud intensified after he told a Christian resident he was “not welcome” in the city during a heated council meeting last week. The clash erupted when Edward “Ted” Barham raised objections to new street signs honoring Arab American News publisher Osama Siblani.
Barham introduced himself as a Dearborn resident and voiced concern that Siblani had previously expressed support for extremist groups. “He’s a promoter of Hezbollah and Hamas,” Barham said, quoting past remarks attributed to Siblani, including: “They will fight with stones, others will fight with guns, others fight with planes, drones, and rockets.”
Comparing the tribute to naming a road “Hezbollah Street or Hamas Street,” Barham stressed that his intent was to encourage peace, closing with a biblical reference: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
City council members interjected, reminding Barham the signs were placed by Wayne County, not the city itself. Hammoud, however, escalated the exchange. “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,” the mayor said.
Hammoud then accused Barham of bigotry before declaring: “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.”
For many Dearborn residents, the confrontation raised concerns about whether city leaders are willing to hear dissenting voices.
