Embattled Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya Requests Indefinite Leave

Governor Rubén Rocha Moya of Sinaloa, Mexico, has requested an indefinite leave of absence following his brief return to office after a three-month hiatus. This announcement was made on social media, where Rocha, 77, asked for a “temporary leave of an indefinite nature, for more than 30 days.” The request, dated August 22, does not specify his return date or the reasons for his departure.

Rocha had resumed his duties as governor after being away for 112 days due to U.S. drug trafficking charges against him. He expressed his commitment upon returning, stating, “Today, I return to the exercise of my responsibility as Governor of Sinaloa with a clear conscience and head held high, with the strength of truth on our side.” During his absence, Rocha cooperated with Mexican authorities investigating the “false accusations” made by the U.S. He met with Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office and claimed that no evidence of criminal activity was found.

“I am unrelated to and innocent of the fabrications woven against me,” Rocha asserted.

The reaction from Mexico’s political sphere was mixed. The ruling Morena party and President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government were not informed of Rocha’s decision to return. In response, according to Reuters, the Interior Ministry acknowledged that the investigation into Rocha is still open.

Sheinbaum publicly responded to Rocha’s return with a message stating, “No personal interest can ever stand above the interests of the people and the Nation.” She emphasized that public service roles are temporary, but responsibility to the nation is ongoing.

In April, U.S. prosecutors charged Rocha along with nine other officials with drug trafficking and weapons offenses. They are accused of collaborating with the Sinaloa cartel to distribute drugs in the United States. This marks a significant moment, as Rocha is the first sitting Mexican governor to be charged by the U.S. These charges have created tension between the U.S. and Mexico, with President Sheinbaum describing them as foreign interference. Mexico has criticized the U.S. for not providing sufficient evidence to warrant Rocha’s arrest or extradition.