GOP Candidate’s ‘American Crusade’ Fuels Anti-Muslim Hate in Dearborn
A controversial “American Crusade” rally, organized by Republican gubernatorial candidate Anthony Hudson, is stirring significant alarm in Dearborn. Hudson has been actively spreading misinformation and stoking anti-Muslim sentiment ahead of his planned event, raising concerns among civil rights advocates and locals alike. This post delves into the rhetoric, realities, and implications of his actions for the Metro Detroit community.
The “American Crusade” Rally and Its Divisive Claims
Anthony Hudson, a self-described “America First” GOP candidate from Grand Blanc Township, announced a “peaceful assembly” in Dearborn for Tuesday, November 12, 2025. He urged “patriots” to join him at Schaefer Road and Michigan Avenue, promising prayer, gospel music, and attendance at a Dearborn City Council meeting. Hudson has repeatedly invoked Christian nationalist language, declaring, “CHRIST WILL PREVAIL. LIGHT WILL WIN,” and vowed to “expose Dearborn for what it is.”
Hudson’s Baseless Accusations
On social media, Hudson has propagated false narratives about “Muslim infiltration” and “Sharia law” in Dearborn, painting the diverse Detroit suburb as a threat. He even claimed that the National Guard, Marines, and a “Patriot Militia” would join his march, assertions that no official agencies have confirmed. Despite his Facebook post boasting of 5,000 participants, only 20 indicated they would attend the event online.
Hudson’s rhetoric has gone further, endorsing hateful replies on social media. When one user suggested bringing “bacon bits” to the rally, likening it to “sprinkling holy water on a demon,” Hudson responded, “They are demons lol.” He also shared an old video of a contentious 2011 anti-Muslim protest in Dearborn, accusing Muslims of hating Christians and not wanting peace, despite the video showing counter-protesters being arrested.
The Reality of Dearborn: Diversity and Constitutional Law
Contrary to Hudson’s inflammatory claims, Dearborn is a diverse city where Sharia law has never been practiced, nor would it be legally permissible under the U.S. Constitution. The city’s roughly 106,000 residents include a mix of Christians, Muslims, and non-religious individuals, with approximately 55% of Arab descent and an estimated 50,000 residents who are not Muslim.
Hudson’s divisive rhetoric comes on the heels of recent arrests concerning three young Dearborn men accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired attack in Ferndale. While federal prosecutors allege online discussions of violence, defense attorneys argue there was no concrete plan. Regardless, Hudson has leveraged this isolated, unproven case to falsely claim widespread Muslim “infiltration.”
Civil Rights Advocates Speak Out
Civil rights organizations have voiced strong concerns. Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), told Metro Times that Hudson is “playing the politics of fear to apparently gain himself publicity.” Walid encouraged Dearborn citizens not to “take the bait of this individual and his acolytes who will attempt to provoke angry responses in order to demonize Muslims.”
Beyond the Rhetoric: Hudson’s Damaging Policy Proposals
Beyond his inflammatory rhetoric, Anthony Hudson’s gubernatorial platform includes drastic policy proposals that economists warn would devastate Michigan. He advocates for eliminating both the state income tax and property taxes, which together constitute over half of Michigan’s total tax revenue.
| Policy Proposal | Estimated Annual Impact on Michigan |
|---|---|
| Eliminate State Income Tax | Loss of ~ $9 billion, crippling the state’s general fund and K-12 education. |
| Eliminate Property Taxes | Loss of ~ $18.8 billion, stripping local governments of funding for police, fire, libraries, parks, roads, and public schools. |
These proposals would create a multibillion-dollar hole in Michigan’s budget, crippling essential services for residents across the state. With no statewide name recognition, Hudson faces a crowded field of well-known Republican candidates, and it remains to be seen if his divisive approach will garner any significant support.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dearborn Rally
- What is the “American Crusade”?
It’s a rally organized by GOP gubernatorial candidate Anthony Hudson, planned for Dearborn, aiming to protest what he falsely claims is “Muslim infiltration.” - Are Hudson’s claims about Sharia law in Dearborn true?
No, his claims are false. Sharia law is not practiced in Dearborn, nor is it legally permissible under the U.S. Constitution. - What are the potential impacts of Hudson’s tax proposals?
Economists warn that eliminating state income and property taxes would create a multibillion-dollar budget deficit, devastating funding for schools, police, healthcare, and other vital public services across Michigan. - How have local leaders and civil rights groups reacted?
Dearborn police and Mayor Hammoud have not publicly commented. Civil rights groups like CAIR have condemned Hudson’s rhetoric as fear-mongering and divisive, urging residents not to be provoked.
As Metro Detroiters, it’s crucial to stay informed and critically evaluate claims, especially those that seek to divide communities based on fear and misinformation, and to understand the real-world implications of proposed policies on our daily lives.
Hudson American Crusade fuels Dearborn anti Muslim hate
