Friday, August 21, 2026 - Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya has returned to office after more than three months on leave following U.S. criminal charges alleging that he collaborated with the Sinaloa Cartel in exchange for political support and bribes.
The U.S. Justice Department charged Rocha and nine other current and former Mexican officials in April with drug-trafficking and related weapons offenses. Rocha has denied the allegations.
Rocha announced his return on Friday, saying he was resuming his duties with a clear conscience and insisting that the accusations were false.
Mexican authorities have continued their own investigation, while Mexico's government has repeatedly demanded that Washington provide evidence supporting its allegations. The Mexican federal investigation remains open.
His return is likely to deepen tensions between Mexico and the United States over cartel enforcement, political accountability and national sovereignty. The case has also created political discomfort inside Mexico, with President Claudia Sheinbaum and the ruling Morena party distancing themselves from Rocha's decision to return.
With Sinaloa still battling severe cartel violence, Rocha's reinstatement is putting renewed focus on the credibility of Mexico's institutions and its cooperation with Washington.
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