Michoacán faces security and trade shocks as US flags threats and cartels—Los Viagras linked to terrorism lists—while avocado exports pause.
The United States has designated the Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras as foreign terrorist organizations. The move, published in the Federal Register, expands the roster of Mexican criminal groups treated as terrorists amid ongoing U.S. pressure on Mexico over security and border policy.
César Gastélum, a TikTok influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers, has been killed while livestreaming in Culiacán as two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire. The attack adds to years of cartel-driven bloodshed in the region. Authorities have launched investigations and security operations are under way.
The U.S. Embassy has not specified the threat. Michoacán's governor says inspections have paused to protect workers after extortion arrests. Michoacán dominates avocado exports to the U.S., with cartels active in the region. About 300 security personnel are deployed as officials work to resume inspections.