Mexican Governor Accused of Drug Trafficking Resigns Again After Brief Return

The governor of Mexico’s Sinaloa state, Ruben Rocha Moya, reversed his decision to return to office, bowing to backlash from his own ruling party over US drug trafficking accusations.

State lawmakers were expected Sunday to approve his leave. Rocha Moya announced Saturday night he was taking indefinite leave from his post, a little more than 24 hours after resuming it. He shared a document on X requesting the state congress authorize a temporary leave of absence exceeding 30 days. The US Justice Department charged Rocha Moya and nine other Morena party officials in April with drug trafficking conspiracy and weapons charges, alleging collusion with the Sinaloa Cartel.

This marked the first public US charge against a sitting Mexican politician. Rocha Moya had stepped away from his role in May to face a Mexican investigation, then returned Friday, insisting he had committed no crime and had a clear conscience. His return drew criticism from President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexico’s Secretary of the Interior Rosa Isela Rodriguez, who stated he acted unilaterally.

The MORENA party and all sitting state governors from the party distanced themselves from him. Rocha Moya is still considered a fugitive by the US Department of Justice.