The leader of Mexico’s Sinaloa state announced he will temporarily step away from his position following explosive drug trafficking charges filed against him by United States authorities.
Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, a prominent figure in Mexico’s ruling Morena party, released a video statement just after midnight Friday rejecting claims that he shielded the notorious Sinaloa cartel and facilitated drug smuggling operations into America for substantial monetary payments.
“My conscience is clear,” he said. “To my people and to my family, I can look you in the eye because I have never betrayed you, and I never will.”
Despite his denial, Rocha announced he would step aside temporarily to fight what he described as baseless and vindictive accusations while working with President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration during their investigation into potential arrest or extradition proceedings.
President Sheinbaum faces mounting pressure from President Donald Trump to intensify cartel enforcement while balancing her party’s interests. She has declined to transfer Rocha to American custody, stating she has not reviewed convincing evidence but promised Mexican officials would conduct their own probe.
The governor, a close supporter of Sheinbaum’s political mentor and former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, claims the charges against him and fellow Morena party members represent an assault on their progressive political agenda.
“I will not allow myself to be used to harm the movement to which I belong — one that has improved the lives of millions of Mexican men and women,” he said in the video.
Under Mexican law, Rocha maintains legal protection from criminal charges due to his gubernatorial position. Congressional impeachment proceedings would be required before any prosecution could move forward.
