DEARBORN, Mich. - Metro Detroit is abuzz with reactions following the censure of Democratic Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib by the U.S. House on Tuesday. In a swift response, all 18 Republicans of the Michigan Senate signed a resolution the next day, urging Tlaib to resign from her position.

The vote, with a count of 234-188, marked the 26th instance of censure in U.S. history and carried symbolic weight just below expulsion from Congress. Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, faced criticism for her stance on the Israel-Hamas war and her repeated use of the phrase "from the river to the sea." She argues that the saying is an expression of hope for Palestinian freedom, but opponents, including Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, interpret it as a call to erase Israel.

"I can't believe I have to say this, but Palestinian people are not disposable," Tlaib emotionally stated on the House floor during the debate on Tuesday.

Nesbitt firmly expressed his disagreement with Tlaib's views, stating, "Ask any Jewish person and they see it as a call to eradicate the nation of Israel and people from the region, and Congresswoman Tlaib knows that. She knows what she was saying. She is not fit to serve. She's not fit to represent the people of Michigan Congress, and she should resign."

Meanwhile, Tlaib's supporters in her district, which encompasses areas from Beverly Hills to Dearborn, have organized events in solidarity with Palestine and in support of Tlaib herself. On Wednesday night, the American Human Rights Council, led by Palestinian native Imad Hamad, held a vigil in Dearborn to honor the lives lost in Palestine. Several speakers at the vigil addressed the recent censure of Tlaib.

Hamad, viewing the censure as a stain on democracy, believes it is imperative to reflect on the ongoing struggles in Palestine and stand by Tlaib.

While the censure holds no practical implications, it has ignited a strong public debate and raised questions regarding free speech, representation, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the controversy surrounding Tlaib persists, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.