Sinaloa Governor Returns to Office Amid U.S. Cartel Charges

Rubén Rocha Moya ended his leave of absence and returned to his official duties as Governor of Sinaloa on August 21, 2026. He announced plans to complete his term through next year despite facing serious criminal allegations from the United States.

U.S. prosecutors in New York accused Rocha Moya of conspiring with the Sinaloa Cartel to secure his election through the kidnapping and intimidation of political rivals. In exchange, the governor allegedly provided protection for drug trafficking operations into the United States. Rocha Moya denied the allegations, describing them as fabrications driven by political and interventionist motivations.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the governor, stating that clear evidence is required for his detention and suggesting the U.S. legal action was a political attack. The dispute reflects escalating tensions between the Mexican government and the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump over the influence of drug cartels.