In the heart of Arab America, where chants of “Free Palestine” have echoed for months, the City of Dearborn has approved a $723,101 real-time surveillance platform known as Axon Fusus. Officially endorsed by the city council in a unanimous vote, the initiative has sparked both enthusiasm for public safety and deep concern over privacy and political contradiction.
While critics like activist Jake Shields have raised red flags on social media—claiming the technology empowers surveillance on Arab and Muslim communities and is tied to Israel’s defense infrastructure—city officials, including the mayor and police chief, have strongly defended the project.
“This is cutting-edge public safety technology,” said Police Chief Issa Shahin during the council meeting. “It allows us to reduce response times and gives officers real-time awareness during critical incidents.”
He emphasized that officers would now hear 911 calls as they come in, rather than after they are transcribed and dispatched.
“We do not own the footage,” added Mayor Abdullah Hammoud. “Businesses who opt in retain control. We cannot download or use any footage without their consent, unless there is a criminal investigation.”
Yet the questions persist: Can a city so publicly aligned with Palestinian solidarity partner with a company whose surveillance systems have been deployed in occupied territories by the Israeli Defense Forces?
Axon Enterprise—formerly TASER International—has deepened its global footprint through the acquisition of Fusus in 2024. The platform is now integrated into law enforcement agencies nationwide and has known ties to Israeli security operations. Axon also invested $90 million into Cellebrite, an Israeli digital forensics firm.
The Dearborn council discussion revealed a thoughtful, sometimes tense debate. Councilmembers raised issues of transparency, policy clarity, and civil rights. Councilman Perez acknowledged his initial skepticism, saying:
“I don’t support anything blindly, even if it’s for public safety. I spent hours researching this program. But based on the answers I received, I will vote in favor.”
Mayor Hammoud affirmed that due diligence had been done over the past year, with stakeholder demonstrations involving major institutions like the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Henry Ford College, both of which later offered financial support to the initiative.
Still, the rollout has not been without controversy. Community concerns remain over the lack of a dedicated data policy tailored to Fusus, even as officials maintain that existing data protocols apply. While business owners must opt in voluntarily, some residents worry about broader implications—particularly in a city where political identity is closely tied to international struggles for justice.
“We’re not installing cameras,” the mayor reiterated. “We’re connecting with systems that already exist. No facial recognition. No mass downloads. Just faster response in emergencies.”
Whether Axon Fusus will ultimately serve as a model for tech-enabled community policing or a cautionary tale in surveillance overreach remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Dearborn is at the crossroads of a national conversation on technology, trust, and the balance between safety and civil liberty.
Where Do We Go from Here?
Community leaders, civil rights lawyers, and local elected officials must now grapple with the implications. Can this program be paused or reversed? Will there be independent oversight, or will the footage be handled solely by police? And most pressingly:
Can a city say “Free Palestine” while signing contracts with the very companies enabling its occupation?
The people of Dearborn deserve answers—not just surveillance.
✅ Key Highlights from the Dearborn City Council Meeting (Axon Fusus Approval)
🟩 1. Official Approval and Funding
- The Dearborn City Council unanimously approved a $723,101, five-year contract with Axon Enterprises for the Fusus Real-Time Crime Center platform.
- Funding includes a $133,000 appropriation from the federal drug forfeiture fund.
🟦 2. Purpose and Function of Fusus
- Fusus integrates live video feeds, 911 calls, and private/public camera systems into a centralized, real-time crime center.
- Officers will be able to hear 911 calls live and access camera footage before arriving at a scene, enhancing response time and safety.
- The platform is described as “cutting-edge” and will make Dearborn one of the few cities in Michigan using this level of technology.
🟧 3. Privacy and Data Ownership
- Mayor Abdullah Hammoud emphasized:
- The city does not own or store footage from private cameras.
- Access is granted voluntarily by businesses and residents via Fusus directly.
- The existing city data policies will apply; no additional surveillance or facial recognition will be used.
🟨 4. Transparency and Public Awareness
- Several council members, including Councilman Perez, voiced initial concerns about transparency and procedural clarity.
- They emphasized the need for:
- Public education on how Fusus works.
- Regular updates on participation levels and performance.
- It was clarified that business participation is voluntary and independent of the city, and signup info will be made public online.
🟫 5. Community and Institutional Support
- Stakeholders such as the University of Michigan–Dearborn and Henry Ford College participated in pilot demonstrations and expressed support.
- The program had been in development for over a year, not rushed or pushed through in secrecy.
🟥 6. Broader Policing Goals
- Officials cited examples where Fusus could have helped prevent or resolve incidents more quickly (e.g., a stabbing at a gas station, missing child, potential shooter).
- The system is seen as a complement to drones, Flock license plate readers, and other smart policing tools already in use.
⚠️ 7. Civil Liberties Questions Remain
- Despite reassurances, some council members and community members raised concerns about long-term surveillance, potential misuse, and implications for Arab and Muslim residents, given Dearborn’s demographics.
✅ Fact Source List for Legal and Editorial Reference
1. Axon Fusus Approval in Dearborn
- ✅ Source: Dearborn City Council Meeting Transcript, August 2025
- Resolution: $723,101 for 5-year contract with Axon Enterprises via Sourcewell Cooperative Program
- Public record, city archives: City of Dearborn Public Meetings Portal
2. Statements by Police Chief Issa Shahin and Mayor Abdullah Hammoud
- ✅ Source: Official City Council Meeting Video & Transcript, August 2025
- Direct quotes pulled from meeting as broadcast and transcribed.
- Contact: City Clerk’s Office for certified records.
3. Social Media Criticism by Jake Shields
- ✅ Source: Jake Shields Twitter/X account, August 6–7, 2025
- Thread discussing Axon Fusus, IDF ties, and surveillance concerns.
- Archive link: https://twitter.com/jakeshieldsajj
4. Axon’s Acquisition of Fusus
- ✅ Source: Axon Enterprise Investor Relations
- Official Press Release: https://investor.axon.com
5. Axon’s Historical Background and Global Operations
- ✅ Source: Wikipedia Entry: Axon Enterprise
- Verified by Axon’s own About Page: https://www.axon.com/about
6. Axon’s Investment in Cellebrite (Israeli Forensics Company)
- ✅ Source: The Fulcrum (Canada), Student Divestment Demands
- Article: Disclosure and Divestment: U of O Protesters’ Demands
- Cellebrite profile: https://www.cellebrite.com
7. Axon Tools Used by Israeli Forces
- ✅ Source: American Friends Service Committee – Investigate Project
- Company profile: https://investigate.afsc.org/company/axon-enterprise
- Highlights use of Axon tech in U.S. and Israeli policing contexts.
8. University of Michigan–Dearborn and Henry Ford College Support
- ✅ Source: Dearborn City Council Transcript
- Multiple mentions of stakeholder demonstrations and financial support from institutions
- Mayoral clarification: Institutions choosing to join Fusus independently
9. Data Ownership and Privacy Policy Clarification
- ✅ Source: Dearborn City Council Transcript
- Mayor states: “Businesses who opt in retain control. We cannot download or use footage without their consent.”
10. Councilmember Perez Quotes and Caution
- ✅ Source: Dearborn City Council Meeting, August 2025
- Quote: “I don’t support anything blindly… But based on the answers I received, I will vote in favor.”
11. Public Safety Use-Cases (Gas Station, Retail Incident, Missing Child)
- ✅ Source: Police Chief Statements in Council Meeting
- Includes examples of how Fusus would improve officer readiness and emergency response.
12. No Facial Recognition and Opt-In Structure
- ✅ Source: Mayor Hammoud and Police Department Clarification
- Stated multiple times: No facial recognition, voluntary participation, no new camera installations by the city.
Note: All facts in this article are sourced from public city records, verified news outlets, official Axon investor statements, and publicly accessible social media posts. This article is intended for public awareness and journalistic inquiry, not legal accusation. For questions or corrections, please contact info@dearbornblog.com.
Dearborn Blog 