• Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says it was not 'pertinent' for Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya to resume office, citing pending U.S. drug trafficking accusations.
  • The charges, which Sheinbaum described as unproven and politically motivated, have strained U.S.-Mexico relations and raised governance concerns.
  • Rocha Moya's return in August, after a brief leave, has drawn criticism from the ruling party and intensified debate over the rule of law in Sinaloa.

A Contentious Return

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Thursday that it was not “pertinent” for Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya to return to office, given the still-unresolved U.S. indictment against him for alleged drug trafficking ties. Rocha Moya stepped down in May 2026 after U.S. prosecutors accused him and others of aiding the Sinaloa cartel faction “Los Chapitos,” but he resumed his duties in August, a move that has deepened tensions between Mexico and the U.S.

Sheinbaum, speaking at her daily press conference, framed the charges as political and unsubstantiated, emphasizing that Mexico would not extradite or remove officials without “irrefutable evidence.” “We have not received definitive proof from U.S. authorities,” she said. “The accusations are not a basis for political action. Due process must prevail.” Her comments come as Mexican officials and ruling party members have criticized the U.S. case as an overreach, complicating bilateral anti-drug collaboration.

The U.S. indictment, unsealed earlier this year, alleges Rocha Moya and co-conspirators facilitated fentanyl and cocaine trafficking in exchange for bribes. However, no formal evidence has been shared with Mexican prosecutors, leaving the case in a legal and diplomatic limbo. “Without concrete evidence, we cannot act,” a senior Mexican official said on condition of anonymity, echoing Sheinbaum’s stance.

Rocha Moya’s return has sparked concern among opposition figures and civil groups, who argue it undermines governance in Sinaloa, a state long plagued by cartel violence. The ruling Morena party has largely backed the governor, but some members have voiced unease. “This is about credibility,” said a party insider, speaking privately. “We are walking a tightrope between judicial independence and political fallout.”

The dispute has strained already fragile U.S.-Mexico relations, particularly in security cooperation. While both governments have publicly committed to fighting drug trafficking, the case has fueled skepticism in Mexico about U.S. motives. Analysts suggest that without a resolution, the standoff could hamper intelligence sharing and joint operations.

When reached for comment, a state government spokesperson defended Rocha Moya, calling the charges “baseless” and reiterating his willingness to cooperate with authorities. The governor has not directly addressed the accusations since his return. The U.S. Department of Justice declined to comment, citing ongoing proceedings.

As the legal-political saga drags on, Sheinbaum’s message is clear: Mexico will not bow to external pressure. “We respect the law, but we do not accept unilateral judgments,” she said, adding that bilateral dialogue remains open. Yet the path forward is uncertain, with neither side signaling concessions.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the timing of the U.S. indictment. It was unsealed in May 2026.