The administration suspended government operations in Michoacan, Mexico, due to a threat to U.S. interests.
The administration announced the suspension of all government operations in the Mexican state of Michoacan due to an unspecified "threat to U.S. interests." This move includes a halt to the mandatory inspections of avocados required for export to the United States. Michoacan is the leading exporter of the fruit to the U.S., and the suspension could disrupt the flow of "green gold" to American markets. Michoacan Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla stated that the temporary halt was intended to safeguard workers following recent arrests linked to alleged extortion by local cartels. These cartels, which the Trump administration designated as terrorist organizations, frequently extort avocado producers. To ensure security, 300 security personnel have been deployed to the Los Reyes area as a preventive measure. The suspension follows a previous instance in 2024 where U.S. inspectors were assaulted, causing a temporary spike in avocado prices. The administration aims to restore security conditions to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.