The Dearborn Heights Police Department in Michigan unveiled a new “optional” uniform patch this week that incorporates both Arabic and English text.
Officials said the move is intended to reflect the city’s large Arab-American population.
However, the news quickly triggered a backlash and has already sparked national debate.
The patch was designed by Officer Emily Murdoch.
The Dearborn Heights Police Dept. has revealed the nation's first-ever officer uniform patch featuring Arabic script.
Its designer is a woman named Emily Murdoch. pic.twitter.com/M5zdcHJCBT
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) September 4, 2025
It features the words “Dearborn Heights Police” written in English and Arabic.
This is how it starts.
Dearborn Heights Police Dept. now has the nation's first-ever uniform patch in Arabic.
The civilization takeover has begun. pic.twitter.com/9s7Dnpc7Nz
— Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) September 4, 2025
Department leadership praised the design, calling it a symbol of “unity, respect, and shared commitment to service.”
In a Facebook post, the department wrote:
“This patch was created by Officer Emily Murdoch, who designed it to reflect and honor the diversity of our community — especially the many residents of Arabic descent who call Dearborn Heights home.
“By incorporating Arabic script alongside English, this patch represents unity, respect, and our shared commitment to service.”
The department stressed that the patch is optional and not a required part of the uniform.
“Our officers proudly serve all members of our community, and this new design is another way we continue to celebrate the rich cultures that make our city unique,” the post added.
But the decision drew sharp criticism from conservatives concerned about the symbolism.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL), who won a special election earlier this year, blasted the move on social media after seeing an X post about the patch.
“They said their goal was to bring Sharia law to America,” Fine wrote.
“You should’ve believed them.
“Pray for Michigan,” he added.
They said their goal was to bring sharia law to America.
You should’ve believed them.
Pray for Michigan. https://t.co/M4Ge4wWN6T
— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) September 5, 2025
Dearborn Heights and neighboring Dearborn have among the largest Arab-American populations in the United States.
Arabic is widely spoken in homes, businesses, and schools.
That cultural concentration has repeatedly fueled national political debates.
The rise of Islamic culture has been linked to the anti-Israel protests during the Israel-Hamas war and controversies over school curricula.
The police department has not responded to the backlash.
However, local officials insist that the new patch is a voluntary effort to build goodwill with the city’s “diverse” population.
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