U.S. Suspends Avocado Inspections in Mexico’s Michoacán Amid Security Threat

The United States announced a suspension of all government operations in the Mexican state of Michoacán, including the halt of USDA-mandated avocado inspections required for export to the United States. The U.S. Embassy described the pause as a response to a “threat to U.S. interests,” though it did not detail the nature of the threat. Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla said on social media that the temporary suspension was intended to protect workers after recent arrests linked to extortion.

Associated PressUS suspends avocado inspections in Mexican state of Michoacan due to threat

Michoacán is the leading avocado-producing region for the United States, supplying roughly 80 percent of U.S. avocado imports—a commodity often called “green gold.” The state’s avocado sector supports about 200,000 jobs. At least four drug cartels, designated as terrorist organizations by the previous U.S. administration, operate in the region and generate revenue through extortion of avocado growers and related businesses.

Associated Press

In 2025, Mexico exported $3.65 billion worth of avocados to the United States. Export volumes in the first four months of the current year were 35 percent higher than the same period a year earlier. The suspension of inspections threatens the continuity of this trade flow, as USDA inspectors verify that shipments are pest-free before entering the U.S. market.

US suspends avocado inspections in Mexican state of Michoacan due to threat

State Security Secretary Antonio Cruz reported that one of the recent arrests involved “El Poncho,” alias Alfonso Fernández Magallón, a local cartel leader operating around Los Reyes. The U.S. government had previously offered a $5 million reward for Fernández Magallón’s capture, and U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson welcomed the arrest. Cruz noted that his department was unaware of any direct incidents involving avocado inspectors, but 300 security personnel were deployed to Los Reyes as a preventive measure.

Associated Press

The halt in inspections could disrupt the supply chain that moves millions of pounds of avocados each year from Michoacán to U.S. consumers. If security conditions do not improve, prolonged suspension may force exporters to seek alternative markets or face delays, potentially affecting the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers dependent on the avocado industry.

Associated Press