Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya announced a second leave of absence on Saturday, less than 24 hours after resuming office. The move follows a U.S. indictment charging him and nine other officials with drug trafficking and collaborating with the Sinaloa Cartel.
On Friday, Rocha Moya declared he was returning to his gubernatorial duties after a 112-day absence. He stated in a social media post that he was resuming leadership of the northwestern state with "a clear conscience and head held high." However, on Saturday, he requested a temporary leave of absence of indefinite duration from the state congress.
The abrupt reversal came amid public criticism from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who wrote on X that "no personal interest can ever be placed above the interests of the people" of Mexico. She did not name Rocha Moya directly but referenced the decision in her post. When questioned by reporters, Sheinbaum stated she had learned of his return through his social media post.
The U.S. Department of Justice unsealed an indictment in April accusing Rocha Moya and nine current or former Sinaloa officials of drug trafficking and other charges. This marked the first time the U.S. had publicly charged a sitting Mexican politician. Rocha Moya has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting he has "committed no crime."
Rocha Moya, a 77-year-old ally of Sheinbaum and close associate of former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has served as governor of Sinaloa since 2021. His initial leave began in May following an investigation by Mexican prosecutors, though no formal charges have been filed domestically.
The governor’s Friday announcement drew immediate backlash from members of the ruling Morena party, including Sheinbaum. Other allies also publicly condemned his decision to resume office, prompting the second leave request. State lawmakers are expected to approve the indefinite leave, as requested.
The U.S. indictment alleges that the officials facilitated the Sinaloa Cartel’s drug distribution networks into the United States. The charges include conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and money laundering. The Mexican government has not commented on the U.S. allegations beyond Sheinbaum’s public statements.