In San Ángel Zurumucapio, Mexico, the explosive growth of the avocado industry marked a significant turning point for the town. Residents like Óscar García, now 18, have grown up in a dramatically changing environment, where wealth and prosperity exist alongside fear and violence.
Profound Changes Brought by Avocados
Óscar García drives carefully past paramilitary checkpoints that have become part of daily life. The town, once peaceful, now deals with armed guards and masked men. The avocado boom has brought wealth but also fear. Francisco, Óscar’s grandfather, reflects on how the industry has altered their lives. “The avocados changed everything,” he remarks.
Decades ago, Francisco had struggled to make a living from the pine forests. Seeking better opportunities, he worked in Texas before returning home to support his family. His son, Pancho, followed a similar path, returning to plant avocado trees and finding success after the termination of a U.S. ban on Mexican avocados, which opened new global markets.
The Emergence of Crime and Violence
The surge in avocado production did not only transform the economy. It attracted criminal elements eager to control the burgeoning industry. Armed groups expanded from drug trafficking into the avocado business, intimidating farmers and imposing protection fees.
In San Ángel, these criminals became part of the town’s landscape. Residents like Óscar, a young boy at the time, grew up amid shootouts and kidnappings. His father, Pancho, refused to arm himself despite the dangers and maintained a strong familial focus.
Community Response and Self-Defense
With crime rampant and government efforts appearing ineffective, the town voted for self-governance in 2021. They established a council and banned traditional political parties, opting for local management. Men in the community stood guard in shifts, creating barricades to protect against intruders.
Pancho, although resistant to the militarization of his town, participated reluctantly. His father, Francisco, worried about escalating danger and the inadvertent risks of armed defenses.
Personal Tragedy Strikes
In December 2024, Pancho vanished. He was last seen driving to the family’s avocado orchard. Despite searches led by both the militia and national authorities, no conclusive evidence was found, leaving the family grappling with uncertainty. Francisco urged his family to cease searching, fearing further losses.
The loss affected the García family deeply. Francisco and his wife keep vigil with a candle lit for Pancho, refusing to give up hope. The family’s prosperity from avocados contrasts starkly with the violence they endure.
Óscar, dropping out of high school to manage the farm, mirrors his father in many ways. But the shadow of fear and responsibility weighs heavy. The once-promised opportunity of avocados has come with a steep and painful cost.
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