Michigan GOP leader called opponents 'scum' after hearing on ICE bills

Lansing — State Sen. Jim Runestad, chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, referred to people who opposed him at a committee hearing about federal immigration enforcement as "absolute scum," according to a recording of his remarks provided to The Detroit News.

Runestad, a White Lake Township lawmaker, made the "scum" comment at a Feb. 3 Republican leadership event in Oakland County, five days after a heated meeting of the Michigan Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee in Lansing.

The Democratic-led panel was considering bills to restrict officers' ability to conduct immigration enforcement actions in places like schools, churches, hospitals, courthouses or buildings that house organizations that assist victims of abuse.

Another bill the committee debated on Jan. 29 would broadly prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employees from wearing masks.



https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/25/michigan-republican-party-chairman-jim-runestad-ice-democrats-absolute-scum-state-senate-hearing/88844373007/