A small group of demonstrators turned out for an anti-Islam, pro-gun rally in Dearborn. (Photo via Global Rally for Humanity: Michigan Facebook page)

In Dearborn, several protesters and counter-protesters carried AK47 or AR15 rifles.Others who support open-carry laws came out in support Muslims, who make up about 40 percent of Dearborn's population. Protesters waved flags that read "Stop the Islamization of America" and "ISIS is Evil." A Mt. Clemens woman, Marcia Bodary, protested against immigration policies in the United States and Michigan, which is exploring options to welcome refugees from Syria and the Middle East as the crisis in that region of the world deepens.

But Bodary told the Detroit Free Press that's a mistake.

"We're taking in too many refugees," she said. "We don't know who they are. It's impossible to vet them ... Don't overwhelm us. We can't afford it."

Dearborn residents for the most part heeded a warning from Mayor John B. O'Reilly Jr., who implored citizens to ignore the protesters outside the Henry Ford Centennial Library and go about their business. "The counter-protesters look to be about two-to-one," Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad told The Detroit News. "None of these people live in Dearborn. I'm really proud of our community for staying away."