Rubén Rocha Moya, the governor of Mexico’s Sinaloa state, stepped down from office on Saturday, just one day after returning to his post following a 112-day leave of absence triggered by U.S. drug trafficking charges. The abrupt reversal came amid withering criticism from President Claudia Sheinbaum and other members of the ruling Morena party, of which Rocha Moya is a member.
In a social media post on Saturday, Rocha Moya requested another leave of absence for at least 30 days, writing that “Sinaloa, the nation, and the movement of transformation are above everything.” He has consistently denied the accusations against him.
The governor’s brief return had drawn sharp rebuke from Sheinbaum, who expressed her disapproval without naming him directly. “No personal interest can ever be placed above the interests of the people and the nation,” Sheinbaum wrote on X on Saturday. She added that “power without principles becomes arrogance; power without limits, abuse.” When journalists asked about Rocha Moya, the president said she learned of his return through his tweet and had nothing further to comment.
Rocha Moya had announced his return to office on Friday, insisting he had “committed no crime” and was resuming his duties “with a clear conscience and head held high.” The 77-year-old is a close ally of Sheinbaum and was governor of Sinaloa since 2021, but his position had become politically untenable within his own party after his announcement to return.
In April 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed an indictment charging Rocha Moya and nine other current or former Mexican officials with drug trafficking and conspiring with the Sinaloa cartel. The charges marked the first time U.S. prosecutors had publicly indicted a sitting Mexican governor. Federal prosecutors alleged that Rocha Moya and the other officials conspired with a faction of the Sinaloa cartel known as Los Chapitos to facilitate drug smuggling into the United States in exchange for bribes.
Two days after the indictment was unveiled in late April, Rocha Moya announced he was taking a leave of absence to defend himself against what he called “false and malicious” allegations. He spent roughly 112 days away from office before announcing his return on Friday. Throughout the legal crisis, Mexican authorities have resisted a U.S. Justice Department request for his extradition, with Sheinbaum arguing that Washington had not provided sufficient evidence of wrongdoing to warrant his arrest and transfer.
The case has become a flashpoint in U.S.-Mexico relations. The Trump administration, which has vowed to crack down on corrupt Mexican politicians enabling organized crime, has used the threat of tariffs to pressure Mexico to intensify its war on drugs. Trump has frequently claimed Mexico is governed by officials linked to drug trafficking, though he has offered military support that Sheinbaum has rejected.
Rocha Moya faces federal charges including narcotics importation conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. If convicted, he could face life in prison or a mandatory minimum of 40 years behind bars. The governor’s temporary leave of absence is expected to be granted by state lawmakers, extending his absence from the governorship indefinitely.
Sources
- Los Angeles Times — Rocha Moya’s resignation announcement, Sheinbaum’s criticism, timeline of his 112-day absence and return.
- CBS News — Sheinbaum’s direct statements, details of Rocha Moya’s indictment and charges, first U.S. indictment of a sitting Mexican governor.
- Reuters — Background on the April 2026 indictment and allegations of conspiracy with the Sinaloa cartel.
- DW News — Details on the original indictment and Rocha Moya’s denial of charges.
