The U.S. State Department has suspended all U.S. government activities in the Mexican state of Michoacan after what officials described as a "threat against American interests."
According to Fox News, the security alert, issued by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, took effect Aug. 5 and includes a temporary halt to U.S. inspections of avocados destined for export to the United States.
"Due to a threat against American interests, U.S. government activities in Michoacan State have been suspended as of August 5," the embassy said in its alert.
Officials also reminded Americans that Michoacan remains under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory.
The State Department did not disclose the nature of the threat.
According to The Associated Press, Michoacan Gov. Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla said the pause in avocado inspections was intended to protect inspectors following recent arrests tied to alleged extortion cases in the region.
Michoacan is Mexico's largest avocado-producing state and supplies a significant share of the fruit imported into the United States.
The region has also been plagued by organized crime, with multiple Cartels operating there.
The Trump administration has designated several of those Cartels as terrorist organizations.
The State Department advises Americans to exercise increased caution throughout Mexico because of terrorism, crime and kidnapping.
For Michoacan specifically, officials warn there is a heightened risk of violence involving terrorist groups, Cartels, gangs and other criminal organizations.
State Security Secretary Antonio Cruz told the AP that one of the recent arrests involved Alfonso Fernández Magallón, also known as
"El Poncho," who authorities identified as the leader of a cartel operating in the avocado-growing area around Los Reyes.
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson praised the arrest, which took place over the weekend. The United States had offered a $5 million reward for information leading to Magallón.
Cruz said authorities were not aware of any direct attacks involving U.S. avocado inspectors. Even so, officials deployed approximately 300 security personnel to the Los Reyes region as a precaution.
Gov. Ramírez Bedolla said the goal is to restore the security conditions needed for inspections to resume as quickly as possible.
The avocado trade represents a major economic link between the two countries.
Mexico exported $3.65 billion worth of avocados to the United States in 2025, and Exports during the first four months of this year increased 35% compared with the same period last year.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture routinely sends inspectors to Mexican orchards and packing facilities to certify that produce is free of pests before it enters the United States.
Inspection work has been suspended before because of security threats against American personnel.