Just days after a deadly terror attack in Boulder reignited national concerns over visa overstays, the FBI has revealed a stunning new threat: two Chinese nationals allegedly attempted to smuggle a dangerous agricultural bioweapon into the United States—with direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

According to a federal indictment unsealed Tuesday, 33-year-old Yunqing Jian and 34-year-old Zunyong Liu conspired to import Fusarium graminearum, a highly destructive fungus capable of decimating wheat, barley, rice, and corn crops. The fungus is notorious for causing “head blight” and producing toxins that can harm humans and livestock, resulting in billions of dollars in agricultural losses globally.

Authorities say Jian, a researcher working at the University of Michigan, received funding from the Chinese government and had pledged loyalty to the Communist Party. A work assessment form found on her phone included a chilling oath to “support the leadership of the Communist Party of China” and “care about international affairs.”

Jian’s co-conspirator Liu was caught at Detroit Metropolitan Airport last July, trying to sneak multiple baggies of the fungus into the U.S. hidden inside wads of tissue. At first, he denied ownership. Then, he confessed—not just to smuggling, but to intentionally concealing the bioweapon to avoid detection. He admitted he planned to clone the fungus in case his experiments failed.

Even more disturbing? Liu stated he planned to continue the research at a U.S. lab with the help of his girlfriend—who was also working on Fusarium at the University of Michigan.

Though denied entry and sent back to China, Liu’s devices revealed more evidence of intent. One of his phones contained an article titled “2018 Plant-Pathogen Warfare under Changing Climate Conditions,” which described Fusarium graminearum as a top-tier crop weapon. He had worked alongside Jian at the Michigan lab until spring of 2024.

Federal agents charged both individuals with conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud. Jian is currently being held without bond ahead of a detention hearing, while Liu remains in China.

FBI Director Kash Patel didn’t mince words. “This case is a sobering reminder that the Chinese Communist Party continues to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate our institutions and target our food supply,” he said. “Smuggling a known agroterrorism agent into the U.S. is not just a violation of law—it’s a direct threat to national security.”

This case follows closely on the heels of President Trump’s sweeping crackdown on foreign student visas, particularly for Chinese nationals tied to strategic or sensitive research areas. Visa revocations have ramped up in response to growing evidence of espionage and sabotage linked to CCP-aligned students in American universities.

And it couldn’t come soon enough. The Boulder terror attack, carried out by an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa, already has lawmakers demanding a complete overhaul of immigration and visa enforcement.

Now, this latest agroterrorism plot is amplifying fears that foreign threats are not just slipping through our borders—they’re entering through the front door, aided by America’s open academic and research institutions.

As tensions escalate with China over trade, spying, and military provocations, experts warn that these kinds of sabotage attempts may only increase. With Trump’s tariffs squeezing Beijing and student visa programs under the microscope, the CCP may seek alternative, darker strategies to disrupt the U.S.

One thing is clear: these were not random acts. They were deliberate, organized, and hostile. And if not for the vigilance of federal agents, America’s food supply—and economic stability—could have been thrown into chaos.

The question now is whether this administration can stay one step ahead. Because as this plot shows, the enemy is not at the gates. They’re already inside.