US resumes avocado inspections in Mexico's Michoacan after security halt

The United States government announced on August 13, 2026, the full resumption of avocado inspections in Michoacan, Mexico, following a security halt earlier in the month. The suspension, triggered by violence after the arrest of alleged cartel leader Alfonso Fernandez Magallon and threats to inspectors, raised concerns over U.S. grocery supply disruptions. To secure the region, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum deployed over 1,500 military and National Guard troops, enabling the restart.

US avocado inspection resumption

• ▪The United States government announced on August 13, 2026, that it would fully resume avocado inspection operations across the western Mexican state of Michoacan.
• ▪The full resumption of U.S. avocado inspections followed a partial restart announced by the U.S. Embassy in parts of Michoacan's "avocado belt" during the week prior to August 13, 2026.
• ▪U.S. Ambassador Ron Johnson stated on August 13, 2026, that the U.S. government will continue to monitor security conditions in Michoacan and adjust inspection operations as appropriate.

Cartel violence in Michoacan

• ▪A Michoacan government official stated that Mexican authorities believed the security alert was triggered by violence following the arrest of alleged cartel leader Alfonso Fernandez Magallon.
• ▪Avocado producers in Michoacan warned on August 6, 2026, that ongoing insecurity and extortion continue to threaten their livelihoods.

Security threats to inspectors

• ▪A Michoacan government official reported unconfirmed accounts suggesting a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector may have been threatened in Michoacan.
• ▪The United States government previously suspended avocado inspections in Michoacan temporarily in 2022 and 2024 following security incidents involving inspectors.
• ▪The United States government suspended avocado inspections in Michoacan in August 2026 due to security threats and a non-specific threat to U.S. interests.

Mexican military deployment

• ▪Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Mexico collaborated with the U.S. Embassy to deploy more than 1,500 soldiers and National Guard troops to Michoacan to guarantee the safety of inspectors.
• ▪U.S. Ambassador Ron Johnson issued a statement on August 13, 2026, recognizing the Government of Mexico and its Security Cabinet for the coordination that enabled the resumption of inspections.

Michoacan avocado export dependence

• ▪Michoacan is the top avocado-producing state in Mexico and serves as an essential supplier of the fruit to the United States market.
• ▪The suspension of U.S. avocado inspections in Michoacan in August 2026 raised concerns that the supply of avocados to U.S. grocery stores could be disrupted.

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