Mexico’s Sheinbaum condemns governor’s return amid US drug charges

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has criticized Governor Ruben Rocha Moya of Sinaloa for returning to his post amid US drug-trafficking allegations. Sheinbaum described his brief return to office before requesting another leave of absence as "reckless" and "inappropriate." Governor Rocha, who faces a domestic investigation following the US indictment, had previously been absent for 112 days. His party, Morena, stated his return was a personal decision and that its leadership had no prior knowledge. Rocha has denied the charges, calling them politically motivated. The president indicated she had no prior knowledge of his return and does not intend to speak with him.

Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya has reversed his decision to return to office, requesting an indefinite leave of absence after facing backlash from his own ruling party. This comes after he announced his return, claiming Mexican prosecutors had cleared him of U.S. drug trafficking charges. The rapid reversal highlights Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's influence within her Morena party. Rocha Moya had been on leave since May, following his indictment by U.S. prosecutors for allegedly conspiring with the Sinaloa cartel to smuggle drugs. His return was met with widespread criticism from party figures, including Sheinbaum, who emphasized national interests over personal ones. Rocha Moya ultimately conceded, stating that Sinaloa and the nation come first.

Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya has requested an indefinite leave of absence just one day after returning to his post. This comes after a three-month absence due to U.S. drug trafficking charges. Rocha, who maintains his innocence and claims the accusations are fabrications, stated he made himself available to Mexican authorities during his previous leave. His return and subsequent leave request were met with distance from Mexico's ruling party and President Claudia Sheinbaum, who emphasized the primacy of public interest. U.S. prosecutors charged Rocha and nine others in April with drug trafficking offenses linked to the Sinaloa cartel, marking the first time a sitting Mexican governor has faced such charges from the U.S.

Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya has returned to his duties after a leave of absence following accusations from the United States government. The Trump administration indicted Rocha in April 2026, alleging he partnered with a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, known as The Chapitos, to win his 2021 election in exchange for allowing them to install corrupt officials. Rocha maintains his innocence, stating that a Mexican Attorney General's Office investigation found no evidence against him. However, Mexico's Secretariat of the Interior indicated that investigations related to the indicted individuals, including the governor, remain open. President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for the US to present evidence and suggested Mexico should handle the case.