The lemon production and trade routes in Michoacán's Tierra Caliente are constantly watched by the Mexican army and National Guard, in line with Michoacán's Plan for Peace and Justice. Operations focus on agricultural areas where the Michoacán New Generation Cartel has placed improvised explosive devices. Over the past two years, these attacks have caused casualties among day laborers, producers, packing workers, and federal forces, severely reducing economic and productive activities in the lemon industry.
The situation in the area has changed with military and intelligence personnel following the assassination of Bernardo Bravo Manríquez, a leader of the lemon sector. On highways, rural roads, and main roads, part of the deployment includes over 10,600 personnel from the Secretariat of National Defense and the National Guard, sent by the federal government.
During a regional tour, access was granted to orchards, packing plants, and facilities of the 43rd Military Zone in Apatzingán to evaluate current production. Infantry sub-lieutenant Mario Castañeda explained that their responsibilities include patrols and reconnaissance in the most conflict-prone areas, noting that these efforts are already making a difference. He also mentioned that their top priority is to ensure security and build community relations.
The military recognizes the challenges posed by the environment but emphasizes its commitment to the citizens. Castañeda stated that the goal is to support and protect the population, even in tough situations.
Their operations also extend to the streets of Apatzingán and nearby rural areas, where agricultural workers have grown used to the presence of federal forces. Isaac Gutiérrez, a lemon cutter, said he feels safer working now, recalling that they used to fear mines planted in the fields and the risk of getting caught in conflicts between criminal groups.
Officer Jiménez of the National Guard, who works just a few meters away overseeing the Inter-institutional Operations Base in Apatzingán, said that their main focus is on lemon orchards, ensuring the safety of the cutters and escorting the produce to packing centers or the lemon market.
