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U.S. Suspends Operations and Avocado Inspections in Mexico's Michoacan State

The U.S. Embassy cited a threat to U.S. interests following arrests tied to an extortion investigation involving local cartels.

avocados michoacan mexico

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The U.S. suspended government operations and avocado inspections in Mexico's Michoacan state due to a security threat following cartel arrests, risking supply disruptions for the major avocado exporter.

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Michoacan supplies most avocados imported by the U.S. and has a history of cartel extortion and security threats impacting inspectors.

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The U.S. has suspended all government operations in Mexico's Michoacan state, including mandatory inspections for avocado exports, after citing a "threat to U.S. interests" that could disrupt shipments to American consumers.

The U.S. Embassy did not specify the nature of the threat in a security alert. However, Michoacan Gov. Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla said the temporary halt was intended to protect workers following recent arrests tied to an extortion investigation.

Michoacan, which supplies most of the avocados exported to the U.S., has long been plagued by organized crime. At least four cartels designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. operate in the state, where they routinely extort businesses, including those in the lucrative avocado industry.

State Security Secretary Antonio Cruz told The Associated Press that one of those arrested was local cartel leader Alfonso Fernández Magallón, known as "El Poncho," who operated in the avocado-growing region around Los Reyes. U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson praised the arrest, noting the U.S. had offered a $5 million reward for Fernández Magallón's capture.

Cruz said authorities were unaware of any direct threats against U.S. avocado inspectors, but around 300 security personnel have been deployed to Los Reyes as a precaution. Ramírez Bedolla said officials are working to restore the security conditions needed for inspections to resume, adding that similar suspensions have occurred before.

Mexico supplies about 80% of the avocados imported by the United States. The crop, often referred to locally as "green gold," supports roughly 200,000 jobs in Michoacan. Mexico exported $3.65 billion worth of avocados to the U.S. in 2025, with shipments rising 35% during the first four months of this year compared with the same period a year earlier.

U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors are stationed in Mexico to certify that avocados are free of pests before they are shipped north. Previous threats and attacks involving inspectors have prompted temporary suspensions in the past.