As refugees continue pouring into Michigan, there have been several high-profile incidents involving Muslims in the state. Cases of assault, female genital mutilation, and anti-free speech rhetoric have hit the pages of Michigan newspapers. Meanwhile, liberals are working to elect the country’s first Muslim governor.

Abdelnasser Mohamed was working as a gas station attendant in Troy Michigan when a woman came into the station asking for help with the gas pump card reader. According to the woman, Mohamed proceeded to touch her crotch and ask her for a sexual favor in exchange for his assistance.

Since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, over 2100 Syrian refugees have entered Michigan, 657 of them settling in Troy according to the Refugee Processing Center. The immigration status of Mohamed is unknown.

Violence is not the only concern in regards to the growing refugee population. There have also been several instances of anti-free speech sentiments from Muslim groups. Secure Michigan, an organization that opposes Sharia Law and mass refugee immigration was giving a presentation on the negatives of refugee resettlement and were interrupted by a mob of liberal college students which forced the event to be shut down.

Local newspapers covering the event chose to focus their coverage on the victimization of refugees rather than on the squelching of free speech. The Southern Poverty Law Center emphasized their designation of Secure Michigan as a “Muslim hate group.” Ignoring the fact that the Justice Department under Obama reprimanded the SPLC for labeling all detractors “haters.”

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also demanded punishment of a Detroit firefighter who allegedly shared several anti-Muslim posts on Facebook.

In another disturbing case, a Muslim doctor in Michigan became the first to be charged with the crime of performing the atrocity of female genital mutilation (FGM). Just days later, two other individuals were charged with the same crime. CAIR has been quick to defend Muslims against any criticisms regarding the aforementioned incidents and has labeled any critics as racists and bigots.

The liberal media in Michigan has been silent on CAIR’s possible extremist ties. Though the group was not indicted, CAIR was alleged to have been a co-conspirator in funding Hamas, a known terrorist organization, alongside the Islamist Texas group the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development. CAIR was mentioned in transcripts of HLF meetings as a secular group that might push Islamic ideologies to the general American population.

With an upcoming gubernatorial election next year, some see the activities of CAIR and the SLPC in Michigan as preparation for the possibility of the country’s first Muslim governor. Dr. Abdul el-Sayed, the former health director for the city of Detroit, is planning to run for governor. His platform focuses on making Michigan a sanctuary state and increasing the influx of Muslim refugees from countries such as Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, and others.

Dick Manasseri, the head of Secure Michigan, is not taking the SPLC and CAIR intimidation tactics lying down. He intends to continue giving presentations on the realities of the refugee problems and fight against the election of el-Sayed. Manasseri points to Michigan’s Catholic population as being instrumental in this fight. Detroit alone is 22% Catholic, and this large group will likely not fit neatly into the Muslim-favoring liberal agenda being pushed into the state.

The protection of women and the defense of free speech are cornerstones of American culture. Liberal groups claim to promote these causes until Muslims are involved. With a Muslim in the Governor’s Office, it stands to reason that practices such as FGM might not meet the same firm indictment as they have in the past, and with CAIR backing el-Sayed, it seems entirely plausible that he might support the squelching of speech that criticizes Islam and refugees.

Those who hold to American values must take a hard look at the activities of groups such as CAIR and the SPLC and the ramifications of electing a candidate supported by such groups. Catholics and Protestants alike must make themselves heard and vote their conscience without fear of being labeled racists and bigots.

Though the election of a Muslim governor does not necessarily mean Sharia Law will rule the streets of Michigan, the election of any individual supported by groups such as CAIR is cause for concern. A man who stands against principles of free speech, national security, and the rule of law has no place in state government.