U.S. Police in a city known as the "Muslim capital" face criticism after unveiling a new badge adorned with Arabic script

In the heart of Michigan, Dearborn Heights, known as America's Muslim capital, has found itself in the midst of a political storm. Last Wednesday, the city introduced an optional Arabic-language police badge, a decision that has since sparked controversy.

The idea for the Arabic-script badge originated from the newly appointed police chief, Ahmed Haidar. However, the decision has angered many, including GOP Congressman Randy Fine, who labelled it an example of 'Sharia Law' infiltrating Michigan.

Mayor Bill Bazzi, who was born in Lebanon and endorsed Donald Trump in 2024, initially supported the move. However, he and the local police have since walked back the badge, claiming it wasn't even supposed to be official.

The police department has clarified that the badge addition remains an idea and should not have been presented as an official prototype. They also stated that the badge design was an internal discussion among some within the police department and was not put forth for consensus or further review.

The city of Dearborn Heights and its neighbouring city of Dearborn have some of the highest populations of Muslims in the United States. This has led to the cities being dubbed the U.S. 'Jihad Capital' by The Wall Street Journal in the past.

The introduction of the Arabic-language badge comes amidst Trump's controversial plan for the Gaza Strip, involving the US taking over the area and redeveloping it. Trump's plan has been met with global criticism, with concerns about the potential for bloodshed and forced displacement. If implemented, Trump's plan could potentially displace Gaza's population of two million people.

Trump's proposal has also been criticised by US lawmakers and analysts for potentially plunging the nation into the role of occupying power. Last year, protesters at a pro-Palestine rally in Dearborn chanted 'death to America.'

Ibrahima Duhaini, a supporter of Trump, has expressed regrets after Trump started discussing his 'Trump Gaza' redevelopment plan. Many voters in Dearborn initially refused to vote in the primaries due to community division over the war in Gaza.

During the campaign event, Trump won Michigan in the 2024 election, attended by Dearborn Heights Mayor Bazzi and local Imam Belal Alzuhairi, who endorsed Trump's call for peace during the event.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the mayor of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, is back-peddling, promising a re-evaluation of the Arabic-language police badge decision. The city's population, around 39% Middle Eastern or North African, according to the most recent Census, awaits the outcome of this re-evaluation with bated breath.