FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
August 19, 2026
Contact: Levi Teitel, levi@progressmichigan.org
Dearborn Islamophobic Protests Must Spur Rejection of Divisive Rhetoric and Bigotry
MICHIGAN – In response to the Islamophobic protests that happened in Dearborn on August 18, Justin Mendoza, executive director of Progress Michigan, issued the following statement:
“Yesterday, we saw a hate-filled mob descend upon Dearborn spewing racist, Islamophobic rhetoric. The pain that the Dearborn community is experiencing amid this attack should never be felt by anyone, let alone by a group that continues to be vilified by elected officials, media organizations, and out-of-state agitators.
“We cannot forget that this incident occurred while anti-Muslim speech and policies are being normalized by individuals holding immense power. These voices continue to point fingers towards people who are already being targeted for who they are. Despite this rhetoric, what history teaches us is that solidarity with one another is the best hope we have to bring about true equality across race, income, and religion.
“Michiganders know that Dearborn is an incredibly warm and open community. Regardless of what religion you practice or where you come from, Dearborn is known as a place that welcomes folks with open arms. Modern-dayNazis have no business parading in Dearborn streets to intimidate and stoke division and fear.
“We cannot let ourselves become desensitized to the daily attacks on our First Amendment right to practice any religion we so choose. Michiganders reject this division, and we have to speak out against this bigotry.”
###