Rubén Rocha Moya, governor of Sinaloa, requested a temporary leave of absence from his position amid an investigation launched against him over alleged ties to drug trafficking.
The governor submitted a request to the local Congress to step aside while the process unfolds. He stated that the decision reflects an institutional commitment and aims to facilitate the work of Mexican authorities, particularly the Attorney General’s Office (FGR). The investigation was opened following allegations from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
The leave comes at a time of growing tension between Mexico and the United States. U.S. authorities have accused Rocha Moya and other officials of collaborating with the Sinaloa Cartel. The governor has denied the allegations, describing them as false.
In his statement regarding his position, Rocha Moya said his public career supports his actions. He also stressed that he will not allow his case to be used to harm Morena, the ruling political movement. He reiterated that he will face the process with responsibility and transparency.
The case has already had immediate political repercussions in the state. The mayor of Culiacán, Juan de Dios Gámez Mendívil—also named in the accusations—requested a temporary leave as well and has been replaced by Miriam Ramos Villarreal.
In addition to Rocha Moya, the accusations involve several current and former officials from the state’s security and government structures, including former Public Security Secretary Gerardo Mérida Sánchez and former Culiacán police commander Juan Valenzuela Millán, along with other figures allegedly linked to organized crime.
