Allegations and Resignation
Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya temporarily stepped down Friday, after the U.S. Justice Department charged him and nine others with working with the Sinaloa cartel to distribute "massive quantities" of narcotics to the United States. Rocha Moya, a member of President Claudia Sheinbaum's Morena party, faces federal charges including narcotics importation conspiracy and possession of machine guns, which could lead to a life sentence or a minimum of 40 years in prison if convicted. Juan de Dios Gamez, the mayor of Culiacan, also announced his resignation.
Denials and Defenses
Rocha Moya has denied the accusations, calling them "false and malicious" in a YouTube video. He stated that he submitted a request to the State Congress for a temporary leave from his position as governor to cooperate with the Mexican government's investigation. Rocha Moya said, "My conscience is clear. To my people and to my family, I can look you in the eye because I have never betrayed you, and I never will." He also implied the charges were an attempt to harm the Morena party.
Political Ramifications
Sheinbaum has demanded "irrefutable evidence" from the U.S. of cartel links before extraditing officials. Sheinbaum vowed that if federal authorities uncovered "irrefutable" evidence, the accused would be tried in Mexico. Arturo Zaldívar, a former Mexican Supreme Court justice, posted on X that Rocha and Gámez Mendívil no longer enjoy immunity and can be subject to investigation.
History of Controversy
Rocha Moya was previously embroiled in a scandal in 2024 involving the Sinaloa cartel. A Sinaloa cartel capo wrote in a letter that he was on his way to meet with Rocha Moya when he was kidnapped.
Interim Leadership
The state's local congress appointed Yeraldine Bonilla Valverde as interim governor in a special vote Saturday. Bonilla Valverde previously served as the state's secretary of government and is an ally of Rocha.
U.S.-Mexico Relations
The indictments come as President Trump's administration has pressured the Mexican government to crack down on drug trafficking and cartels. Sheinbaum has faced pressure from Washington to accept U.S. intervention, such as drone strikes or military personnel, to fight cartels. The U.S. accuses Rocha Moya of taking in millions of dollars in bribes for protecting the Sinaloa cartel.
