Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya and Culiacan Mayor Juan de Dios Gámez Mendivil stepped down over the weekend following a US indictment accusing them of ties to the Sinaloa cartel and involvement in drug smuggling into the United States [1].
The US indictment names 10 Mexican officials in total and alleges Rocha Moya protected cartel operations while receiving millions in bribes [1]. Rocha Moya called the charges "false and malicious" and said he stepped down temporarily to defend himself and assist Mexican authorities in their investigations. "My conscience is clear. To my people and to my family, I can look you in the eye because I have never betrayed you, and I never will," he said [1].
The governor also suggested the accusations were politically motivated against his Morena party. "I will not allow myself to be used to harm the movement to which I belong — one that has improved the lives of millions of Mexican men and women," Rocha Moya added [1].
President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to the charges on May 1, demanding the US provide "solid and irrefutable evidence". She insisted that Mexican officials should stand trial in Mexico before any foreign proceedings. "We will never subordinate ourselves because this is a matter of the dignity of the Mexican people," Sheinbaum said [1].
The Mexican government has expressed concern over two US agents who participated in a recent drug raid without official permission. The agents, reportedly CIA personnel, died in a car accident following the operation last week [1].
Rocha Moya and Gámez Mendivil resigned on May 2 or 3, withdrawing from their posts amid mounting pressure and investigations [1]. Mexican authorities have launched their own inquiries into the allegations.
The case highlights tensions surrounding US efforts to pressure Mexico on drug trafficking enforcement. The next developments are expected in the ongoing Mexican investigations and any formal legal proceedings concerning the indicted officials.