HAMTRAMCK, MI — The City of Hamtramck has been thrust into the spotlight this week following the sudden suspension of Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri by City Manager Max Garbarino. The city has provided no details on the reasons behind the move, but sources confirm that an internal police report — submitted to both the FBI and Michigan State Police — contains serious allegations that may have national implications.
The unfolding drama pits two law enforcement figures, each with a distinct history and public image, against the backdrop of a city known for its diversity and complex political landscape. As Chief Altaheri faces scrutiny, questions are also being raised about Garbarino himself, particularly regarding the circumstances of his own departure from a previous law enforcement role.
A Suspended Chief With a National Profile
Chief Jamiel Altaheri, appointed in May 2024, made headlines as the first Yemeni-American police chief in the United States. A former NYPD officer who retired just a year before taking the Hamtramck role, Altaheri quickly gained recognition for his progressive outreach efforts, including launching a youth police academy, initiating community policing programs, and creating the “The Chief’s Corner” podcast to connect with residents.
His vision for community-led policing resonated with many in Hamtramck, a city with a majority Muslim population and a rich immigrant heritage. However, behind the scenes, tensions appear to have been brewing. A confidential internal report, now in the hands of state and federal authorities, reportedly contains allegations of questionable actions by Altaheri. Sources familiar with the document suggest it mentions former President Donald Trump and a potential pardon involving a financier connected to Altaheri, though specifics remain under investigation.
Despite the cloud of suspicion, Altaheri has not been charged with any crime, and the suspension is currently with pay, signaling that the investigation remains in preliminary stages.
The City Manager’s Quiet Past Comes Into Focus
The man behind the suspension, Max Garbarino, is no stranger to controversy. Before becoming City Manager of Hamtramck, Garbarino served as the Chief of Police in Hamtramck, Michigan, where he quietly resigned in March 11, 2015.
According to official documents obtained by this publication, Garbarino’s exit was framed as a “voluntary resignation” that was not disciplinary in nature, though it involved a formal Separation Agreement and General Release with the city. Under that agreement:
- Garbarino received a lump sum of $73,084.38, in accordance with the employment agreement, dated February 3, 2014.
- He was also paid for health benefits extended through June 30, 2015.
- Both parties mutually waived claims against one another, and the city agreed to confirm only dates of employment and his title in reference checks.
- A confidentiality clause was included, and Garbarino agreed not to seek reemployment.
The document emphasized that Garbarino’s resignation was not related to misconduct. However, the need for a legal agreement and the payment package suggest the parting was more complex than it appeared.
Political Optics and Public Concerns
The timing of Garbarino’s action against Altaheri has raised eyebrows. For some observers, the move prompts concerns about transparency and internal politics. Others point to the striking contrast in their professional profiles: Altaheri as a high-profile, reform-minded newcomer celebrated for innovation and inclusion; Garbarino as a figure who left law enforcement under a sealed agreement and transitioned into municipal management.
“Without transparency, both the suspension and the City Manager’s history cast long shadows over city leadership,” said one city councilmember on condition of anonymity. “We owe it to the public to understand not just what’s happening with Chief Altaheri, but who is making these decisions.”
What’s Next for Hamtramck?
As the investigation unfolds, city officials remain tight-lipped. Legal experts say the involvement of the FBI and state police indicates the matter could escalate beyond city politics into the realm of federal interest — especially if any connection to a presidential pardon or financial misconduct proves credible.
For now, the people of Hamtramck are left in the dark. A city that has prided itself on inclusivity and civic innovation now finds itself mired in uncertainty and potential scandal. With two law enforcement figures — one suspended, the other carrying the weight of a discreet but costly exit — the city’s future leadership and public trust are on the line.
UPDATE: Mayor and Police Chief Allege Retaliation Behind Suspension
In a rapidly developing turn of events, Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib has spoken publicly about the suspension of Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri, suggesting the move may have been politically motivated rather than performance-based.
According to Mayor Ghalib, Altaheri claimed the suspension was a retaliatory act by City Manager Max Garbarino, allegedly in response to Altaheri disciplining a police officer who is reportedly a close friend of Garbarino’s. The police officer is believed to be Dave Adam Adamczyk, a private fraud investigator and a former Hamtramck police officer who was re-hired in 2024.
Ghalib emphasized that neither he nor members of the city council were informed of the suspension prior to its execution:
“I and the city council members were not informed of the city manager’s decision prior to taking it.
Police chief described it as a retaliatory action by the city manager for disciplining one of the police officers who is a close friend of the city manager.
City manager said there are some allegations against the chief reported by that police officer, that need to be investigated, which the police chief denies.”
Meanwhile, Garbarino confirmed the suspension to Local 4 News on Wednesday night, stating:
“I can confirm that the chief of police has been placed upon administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation. It’s policy of the City of Hamtramck not to comment on personnel matters.”
The allegations prompting the investigation reportedly stem from the officer involved in the disciplinary action. Chief Altaheri has denied all accusations. City Manager Max Garbarino recently informed reporter Charles E. Ramirez from The Detroit News that, for the time being, Andy Mileski will resume his role as the acting police chief. Mileski had previously held this position before Jamiel Altaheri officially took office.
Mayor Ghalib also announced that the Hamtramck City Council will hold an emergency meeting in the coming days to address the situation and consider potential corrective actions.
Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri shared a well-known quote from Ahmad Yahya al-Thulaya, who was executed in Yemen for attempting to change the system. However, after his execution, the rebellions against the monarchy continued, ultimately leading to the formation of a republic in Yemen by the Free Yemeni Movement. During his execution, a group of the public he was fighting for denounced him and accused him of treason. In response, Ahmad looked at them and delivered his famous quote.
As tensions rise between city leadership, the future of Hamtramck’s police department — and its embattled chief — hangs in the balance.
SECOND UPDATE: City Manager Responds to Council’s Retaliatory Actions
After an emergency City Council meeting was called for May 23, 2025, at 4 PM, City Manager Max Garbarino posted the following on his Facebook account:
It has come to my attention that a special City Council meeting has been called for tomorrow at 4:00 p.m., with the intent to terminate my employment after more than two decades of dedicated service to our city.
Let me be unequivocally clear: any such action would be retaliatory, unlawful, and a blatant abuse of power.
Over the past two months, I have taken appropriate and responsible steps to address credible allegations of illegal and unethical conduct within our police department and among elected officials. Due to the serious nature of these allegations, I have involved outside law enforcement agencies to ensure impartiality and maintain the integrity of any investigation. This is a standard practice for officials in my position, designed to ensure fairness to all involved and to preserve the credibility of findings.
I recently received additional credible evidence of serious allegations involving city officials. I refused to ignore these matters and instead entrusted them to the appropriate authorities for fair review. I believe these matters are being handled with due diligence, and I have worked to protect the privacy and reputations of the accused, as is my duty.
The City Council’s planned employment action against me is not related to my performance or any misconduct on my part. This is pure and simple retaliation:
• Retaliation for lawful investigations into widespread violations of the City Charter and state and local election law.
• Retaliation for my refusal to unlawfully terminate the City Clerk at the Council’s politically motivated demand.
• And now, retaliation in the midst of a criminal investigation by the Michigan Attorney General, which, according to recent media reports, has been accepted for prosecution by Monroe County.
These very council members, now facing potential felony charges, are seeking to remove the one person who refused to compromise integrity to shield their misconduct: me. This is obstruction of justice. This is an attempt to intimidate me as a witness to some of the allegations being investigated.
If the Council proceeds with this action, you will expose the city to significant legal liability, including claims of wrongful termination, unlawful retaliation, and civil rights violations. While I do not wish to litigate against the City of Hamtramck, and my desire is to continue serving our residents with integrity, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to ethical governance, I am fully prepared to pursue all appropriate legal remedies to defend my name and hold accountable those who misuse public office for personal gain.
Hamtramck deserves leaders who act with honesty, accountability, and sound judgment—not fear, political retribution, or self-interest. I urge the City Council to reconsider before causing irreparable harm. End this unjust campaign and allow the city to move forward with stability and respect for the rule of law.
I make a specific plea to Mayor Ghalib, who is soon to represent our country as Ambassador to Kuwait. Sir, this moment demands the judgment, principle, and leadership expected of a diplomat serving our nation abroad. You must act now to stop this dangerous political sideshow before it causes further harm to the credibility of our city government—something I am fighting with all my might to preserve and restore. This moment demands moral courage and responsibility, not silence
