MEXICO CITY - The United States announced on Wednesday that it had paused all government activities in the Mexican state of Michoacan over a threat to U.S. interests, which includes stopping the checks on avocados needed for export.

Although the U.S. Embassy did not detail the threat in its security notice, Michoacan Gov. Alfredo Ramirez Bedolla stated on social media that the temporary pause in inspections aims to protect workers after recent arrests tied to extortion. These checks are essential for shipping avocados to the United States, and their halt may affect exports.

The western state of Michoacan leads in avocado exports to the U.S. and faces significant organized crime, with at least four cartels - labeled as terrorist groups by the Trump administration - active in the area. Beyond drug trafficking, these groups profit from extortion, including targeting the avocado sector.

Michoacan State Security Secretary Antonio Cruz informed The Associated Press that one arrest noted by the governor involved El Poncho, whose real name is Alfonso Fernandez Magallon, a leader of a local cartel in the avocado-growing zone near Los Reyes.

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson praised the arrest, which occurred over the weekend. The U.S. government had posted a $5 million reward for Fernandez Magallon's capture.

Cruz noted that his department had no knowledge of direct threats against the avocado inspectors. Still, 300 security personnel were sent to the Los Reyes area as a precaution.

The governor emphasized the need to restore secure conditions for operations to continue as usual, similar to prior instances.

Mexico provides about 80% of U.S. avocado imports, a crop called green gold locally. Its production supports roughly 200,000 jobs in Michoacan alone.

In 2025, Mexico exported $3.65 billion in avocados to the United States, with sales rising 35% in the first four months of this year compared to the prior period.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture deploys inspectors in Mexico to oversee plantations and packing facilities, ensuring exported goods are pest-free. Past threats and violence against inspectors have led to similar suspensions.