The Michigan Republican Party and state legislators are calling for an investigation into a recent security incident involving five international students from China who were found photographing military equipment at Camp Grayling. The incident has sparked concerns about national security and the adequacy of state-level measures to protect sensitive defense site.
The Michigan Legislative Working Group for National Security, a bicameral body of Republican representatives and senators, has urged Democratic leaders, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and officials at the University of Michigan to thoroughly investigate the events that led to the breach. The group is demanding greater transparency and stricter security measures for international students participating in educational programs within the state.
The Incident
The controversy began in August 2023, when five University of Michigan students, all Chinese nationals, were confronted near a remote section of Camp Grayling, a military training site in northern Michigan, where thousands of personnel had gathered for summer drills. The group was found photographing military equipment after midnight by a sergeant major with the Utah National Guard. The students claimed to be "media" before agreeing to leave the area, according to the FBI.
A federal criminal complaint, filed more than a year later, accuses the students of lying to investigators and conspiring to clear their phones of photos taken at the military base. U.S. authorities charged the five individuals with misleading investigators about their intentions and attempting to cover up evidence related to the incident. The charges come amid heightened concerns over foreign nationals photographing sensitive defense sites across the country.
Republican Legislators Take Action
Following the charges, the Michigan Legislative Working Group for National Security issued letters to Governor Whitmer and University of Michigan President Santa Ono, calling for a full investigation into the breach and demanding details about the university's vetting procedures for international students. The letters also requested information on any new security measures that will be implemented in response to the incident.
“As elected members of the Michigan House of Representatives, it is our duty and responsibility to provide transparency and integrity at every level for Michigan’s citizens," the letter to President Ono stated. "Considering the recent incident at Camp Grayling involving five Chinese nationals who were University of Michigan undergraduates, we are seeking information about existing security and vetting measures when accepting international students into its education programs, and what additional measures will be put forth following the incident.”
Legislators Criticize Democratic Response
Members of the working group, which includes Representatives William Bruck (R-Erie), Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville), Jaime Greene (R-Richmond), and David Martin (R-Davison), as well as Senator Jonathan Lindsey (R-Allen), have expressed frustration with what they see as a lack of urgency from Democratic lawmakers in addressing national security concerns. They argue that the issue has been largely ignored by state leaders despite gaining national attention.
“This is exactly the kind of national security concern our group has been working to prevent,” said Rep. William Bruck, a U.S. Army veteran and co-chair of the working group. “Nationally, this issue has gained attention with Democrats, but for some reason, here in Michigan, it’s fallen on deaf ears.”
Rep. Luke Meerman, also a co-chair of the group, criticized Democratic lawmakers for not taking proposed legislation seriously. "We have introduced multiple pieces of legislation and several budget amendments to curb activity that presents a threat to our national security, but they’ve not been taken seriously by Democrats," he said. "This is no longer just a hypothetical scenario; these are legitimate concerns that are coming to life before our eyes. This is about more than just the security of Michigan and its citizens; it’s about our nation as a whole."
Previous Efforts to Address Foreign Influence
The Michigan Legislative Working Group for National Security has been pushing for stronger measures against foreign influence for some time. Last fall, the group introduced a comprehensive plan to protect Michigan from foreign entities included on the federal watch list, such as the People’s Republic of China. Their proposals have included restrictions on foreign ownership of land near sensitive sites and increased oversight of research collaborations with foreign institutions.
Federal Investigation Continues
The FBI noted that the incident at Camp Grayling is not an isolated case, citing previous reports of Chinese nationals taking photos at defense sites in the United States. While the five students are currently not in custody, authorities have stated that they will be arrested if they come into contact with U.S. law enforcement.
“The defendants are not in custody. Should they come into contact with U.S. authorities, they will be arrested and face these charges,” said Gina Balaya, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit.
The ongoing federal investigation has raised questions about how closely universities and state officials monitor foreign students who may have access to sensitive areas. The working group argues that the incident should be a wake-up call for Michigan to take national security concerns more seriously.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation unfolds, the Michigan Legislative Working Group for National Security continues to pressure state leaders to enact stronger protections and ensure the state does not become a “weak link” in U.S. homeland security. The incident at Camp Grayling has highlighted the need for vigilance in safeguarding military installations and the potential risks posed by foreign nationals with access to sensitive locations.
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