The United States confirmed the arrest and subsequent release of two inspectors in Michoacán

MEXICO CITY (apro).- The United States embassy in Mexico confirmed today the arrest and subsequent release of two employees of the Department of Agriculture while they were carrying out inspection work in Michoacán, which is why the United States government blocked the import of avocados and mangoes from that federal entity.

In a statement attributed to Ambassador Ken Salazar and on the morning of this Tuesday the 18th, the diplomatic representation of the United States indicated that two employees of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) “were recently attacked and detained while carrying out their work in the state of Michoacán inspecting avocados,” and specified that “they are no longer in captivity.”

“APHIS has suspended inspections of avocados and mangoes in Michoacán until these safety problems have been resolved,” added Salazar, who specified that the restriction on imports only applies to Michoacán, and that it will not stop the products currently in transit.

“This determination is based on the existing concern for the safety of personnel in Michoacán, not for phytosanitary reasons,” stressed the representative of Joe Biden’s government in Mexico.

This statement contrasts with the statements of the Michoacan governor for Morena, Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, who rejected in the morning that the United States inspectors had been in danger.

In an interview with Radio Formula, the politician asserted that the foreign agents were detained last Friday by residents during a road blockade in Aranza, but he confirmed that the mishap was not due to their work as inspectors for the Department of Agriculture.