Ruben Rocha, the governor of Mexico's Sinaloa state, announced his resignation late Friday, just days after the United States charged him and other ruling-party officials with alleged involvement in the powerful Sinaloa Cartel. This move escalates US pressure on Mexico and places President Claudia Sheinbaum in a difficult political position.
Resignation and Denial
Rocha, a member of the ruling Morena party, vehemently denied the allegations against him, calling them false and ill-intentioned. However, he agreed to temporarily step aside from his role. In a statement, he said: “I can look at my people and my family in the eye because I have not betrayed them and I will never betray them, and I will demonstrate that firmly at the moment when the institutions of justice of our country require it.”
US Charges and Political Fallout
The US Department of Justice accused Rocha and other Morena officials of conspiring with leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel to import massive quantities of narcotics into the United States in exchange for political support and bribes. This has put President Claudia Sheinbaum in an excruciating political position, as she leads the same party.
The US Department of Justice, the US Embassy in Mexico City, and the Sinaloa state government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Background on Morena Party
Morena, or the National Regeneration Movement, is Mexico's ruling left-wing political party, founded in 2014 and currently led by President Claudia Sheinbaum. The party has faced increasing scrutiny over alleged ties to drug cartels, with Rocha's case being the most prominent.
The resignation marks a significant development in US-Mexico relations, as Washington continues to apply pressure on Mexican officials over drug trafficking and corruption.
