💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
The U.S. State Department announced it has suspended all government operations in Mexico’s Michoacan state effective August 5 due to what it characterized as “a threat against American interests.” The pause extends to critical agricultural inspections, including those for avocados destined for American markets, according to statements from the embassy and consulates in Mexico.
Michoacan, situated west of Mexico City, carries a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” designation from the State Department, which warns of violence perpetrated by “terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.” The state has drawn particular scrutiny in recent weeks following arrests tied to alleged extortion schemes, according to state Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla.
The western state represents the leading source of avocado exports to the United States and hosts at least four cartels designated as terrorist organizations by the Trump administration. Beyond narcotics trafficking, these criminal networks generate revenue through extortion targeting local industries, including the avocado sector.
Among recent arrests was Alfonso Fernández Magallón, known as “El Poncho,” identified as a cartel leader operating in avocado-growing areas around Los Reyes. U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson welcomed the arrest, which occurred over the weekend; the U.S. government had offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture.
State Security Secretary Antonio Cruz told the Associated Press that his department had received no reports of direct incidents involving avocado inspectors. Nevertheless, 300 security personnel were deployed to Los Reyes as a precautionary measure.
Last year, Mexico exported $3.65 billion worth of avocados to the United States, with shipments during the first four months of 2025 rising 35 percent compared to the same period the previous year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture deploys inspectors to Mexican farms and facilities to verify that exported produce meets pest control standards.
More Stories
Eight-Foot Burmese Python Discovered in New Jersey Yard After Consuming Opossum
McConaughey Receives Papal Audience at Vatican
Senior Woman Injured in Dog Attack at Nassau County Home