Detroit Seizes 'Agroterror' Fungus: Michigan Lawmakers Highlight Strong Measures to Counter CCP Influence

Concerns over biosecurity and foreign influence have surged in Michigan after a dangerous fungus, identified as Fusarium graminearum, was intercepted in Detroit. The fungus, which experts warn could be used as a weapon of "agroterrorism," was allegedly smuggled into the country by two Chinese nationals affiliated with the University of Michigan. Authorities say the pathogen, if deployed, could devastate U.S. grain crops, causing billions of dollars in agricultural losses and threatening food security.

State House Speaker Matt Hall responded to the incident with renewed calls for legislative action, warning that Michigan and other states remain at risk from foreign interference—particularly from Chinese Communist Party (CCP) operatives. “As speaker, I led our Foreign Influence Protection package through the State House to block CCP operatives from buying Michigan farmland, infiltrating our universities, and accessing our most sensitive data,” Hall stated, emphasizing the urgency of defending critical infrastructure and institutions against foreign threats.

Hall underscored that the proposed bill package represents what he termed “the strongest collection of protections against CCP interference nationwide.” While he praised the measures’ ambition, he expressed frustration that the package has stalled in the state Senate and has yet to secure support from Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Their inaction means our farmland, our military bases, and our universities are still at risk,” Hall added, highlighting what he sees as grave vulnerabilities in Michigan’s current defenses.

According to a Michigan House Republican Communications Office official, there is deep concern that existing federal and state oversight bodies have been compromised by CCP sympathizers. These oversight failures, officials allege, have enabled foreign agents to exploit university research programs—including those involving high-risk biological agents like Fusarium graminearum. Calls to strengthen oversight, limit foreign-backed grants, and expel foreign-influenced research initiatives from state universities have grown louder in the wake of this latest incident.

The controversy comes amid broader scrutiny of Chinese-linked business ventures in Michigan. Critics point to recent “corporate subsidy” deals involving Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery companies and the proposed Gotion vehicle plant in Big Rapids. House Select Committee Chairman John Moolenaar claimed to have uncovered “indisputable evidence” linking Gotion High Tech to forced labor supply chains in China—a charge the company has vehemently denied as “baseless and absolutely false.”

National security concerns are not new in Michigan, where just months earlier, five Chinese students were charged with espionage after an alleged spying operation near Camp Grayling, the largest National Guard training facility east of the Mississippi River. These events have amplified bipartisan calls for stricter controls on foreign land purchases, research partnerships, and technology deployments throughout the state.

Legislators are also targeting the growing use of foreign-produced drones and surveillance equipment by law enforcement agencies and municipal governments. Pending provisions would restrict schools from accepting foreign grants tied to anti-American agendas and would ban certain foreign data-mining apps from government devices. Supporters argue these efforts are crucial to closing security loopholes that adversaries might exploit.

Demands for comment from state leadership regarding the legislative impasse went unanswered. As the debate continues, many lawmakers are urging swift passage of the Foreign Influence Protection package, warning that failing to act could leave Michigan—and potentially the broader U.S.—vulnerable to future incidents that threaten economic and national security.