DEARBORN, Mich. – A few arrests were made as protesters gathered in Dearborn ahead of a City Council meeting and a planned demonstration promoted as a “Christian Crusader” march.
A large police presence was in place near the Henry Ford Centennial Library as crowds gathered ahead of the 7 p.m. council meeting.
Organizers moved the meeting from its usual location because they expected a larger crowd.
An influencer organized the demonstration and called for a “Christian Crusader March.”
Organizers said they expected as many as 50,000 people, although the crowd that began forming around 3 p.m. was significantly smaller Tuesday (Aug. 18) afternoon.
Michigan State Police were working with Dearborn police to monitor the gathering. Officers maintained a heavy presence as officials worked to keep the demonstrations peaceful.
Dearborn’s mayor, police chief and Christian leaders from across the region had gathered Monday to call for unity and urge people to reject hatred.
City leaders have asked residents not to engage with protesters and encouraged people not to attend the council meeting unless they need to.
The mayor also asked the Michigan attorney general’s hate-crime unit to get involved.
City officials have acknowledged that the First Amendment may still protect speech considered hateful.
The arrest came as tensions surrounding the demonstration continued to draw attention.
Details about the circumstances of the arrest were not immediately available.
The Dearborn City Council meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
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