The governor of Sinaloa, Ruben Rocha Moya, unexpectedly resigned after briefly resuming his position. He is wanted by the United States on drug trafficking charges. Rocha returned to his role on Friday and requested a “temporary leave of absence of indefinite duration, exceeding 30 days” on Saturday.
Rocha’s decision prompted criticism from President Claudia Sheinbaum, also the leader of his political party. She emphasized on social media that personal interests should not overshadow the interests of the people and nation. “Power without principles becomes arrogance; power without limits, abuse,” she stated without directly naming anyone.
The U.S. Justice Department charged Rocha and nine other members of the Morena party in April. They are accused of colluding with the Sinaloa Cartel to distribute drugs in the U.S. Authorities in the U.S. seek their extradition. Rocha maintains he is innocent, stating he returned to office “with a clear conscience and head held high.”
Rocha, 77, has held the governor position since 2021. He is closely linked with President Sheinbaum and former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. In 2023, Rocha was implicated in a scandal with the Sinaloa Cartel. A letter from a cartel capo, who later cooperated with U.S. law enforcement, mentioned Rocha in connection with his kidnapping.
U.S. federal charges against Rocha include narcotics importation conspiracy and possession of illegal weapons. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence or a minimum of 40 years in prison.
U.S. President Trump has pressured Mexico to increase efforts against drug trafficking, often accusing Mexican politicians of cartel associations. He has suggested military support to aid the fight against drugs, which Sheinbaum has declined.
The Sinaloa Cartel is one of six Mexican drug trafficking organizations designated as foreign terrorist entities by the Trump administration.