US suspends avocado inspections in Michoacan amid threats; Mexican influencer killed on livestream

The United States has suspended all government operations, including avocado inspections, in Mexico's Michoacán state following security threats to U.S. personnel. This action was prompted by a threat received by a U.S. plant safety inspector and, according to Michoacán's Governor, aims to ensure the safety of workers amid recent arrests related to cartel extortion. Michoacán is the sole Mexican state authorized to export avocados to the U.S., and the halt in inspections is expected to disrupt this significant trade, which is frequently targeted by organized crime for extortion.

In a separate but related effort to combat cartel influence, the U.S. government has announced a $25 million reward for information leading to the capture of Juan Carlos González, known as "Pelón." González, a U.S. citizen, is reportedly the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), considered Mexico's most powerful cartel. The reward, increased from an earlier $5 million bounty, underscores intensified pressure on the organization, which is involved in various illicit activities, including avocado production and drug trafficking.