US pauses government operations in cartel-ridden Mexican state
The U.S.State Department said a "threat against American interests" forced the United States to suspend all of its government activities in a Mexican state where visitors face a risk of violence "from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations."The warning from the U.S.
Embassy & Consulates in Mexico about the state of Michoacan, which is located west of Mexico City, includes a halt to the inspections of avocados required for their export, according to The Associated Press."Due to a threat against American interests, U.S.government activities in Michoacan State have been suspended as of August 5," the message read.
"Reminder that the U.S.travel advisory designates Michoacan as a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ area."While the U.S.
embassy did not specify the nature of the threat in its security alert, Michoacan Gov.Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla said on social media that a temporary halt to avocado inspections was intended to safeguard workers following recent arrests linked to alleged extortion, the AP reported.5 MEXICAN CARTEL BOSSES CHARGED IN WEAPONS, DRUG TRAFFICKING, TIMESHARE FRAUD SCHEMES, DOJ SAYSMembers of the Civil Guard of Michoacan patrol a highway with armored vehicles after a wave of violence in Aguililla, Mexico, on Feb.
24, 2026.(AFP via Getty Images)The western state of Michoacan is the leading exporter of avocados to the U.S.
and has a high level of organized crime activity with at least four cartels — designated as terrorist organizations by the Trump administration — operating in the region.Besides trafficking drugs, cartels also make money through extortion, including of the avocado industry.The State Department warns Americans to "exercise increased caution" throughout Mexico due to "terrorism, crime, and kidnapping."For Michoacan state, it said, "There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations."Michoacan State Security Secretary Antonio Cruz told the AP that one of...