US suspends avocado inspections in Mexican state on Michoacan due to threat
Summary
The United States has stopped all government activities, including avocado inspections, in the Mexican state of Michoacan due to a security threat. The suspension aims to protect workers after arrests linked to extortion by organized crime groups in the region, which is a major supplier of avocados to the U.S.Key Facts
- The U.S. suspended avocado inspections and other government operations in Michoacan, Mexico, over a threat to U.S. interests.
- Michoacan is the top exporter of avocados to the U.S., providing about 80% of the country's avocado imports.
- The region has high organized crime activity, including at least four drug cartels labeled as terrorist groups by the Trump administration.
- Cartels earn money through drug trafficking and extortion, including targeting the avocado industry.
- A major cartel leader nicknamed "El Poncho" was arrested; the U.S. had offered a $5 million reward for his capture.
- About 300 security personnel have been sent to the avocado-growing area as a precaution.
- Avocado production in Michoacan supports roughly 200,000 jobs and brought in $3.65 billion from U.S. sales in 2025.
- U.S. inspectors check Mexican avocado farms and plants to ensure the fruit is free of pests before export, but inspections have been suspended before due to safety concerns.
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