MEXICO CITY, May 2 – The governor of Mexico’s Sinaloa state steps down temporarily following U.S. accusations of aiding one of the nation’s most powerful drug cartels. Ruben Rocha announced his decision late Friday as a local investigation into the charges advances.
Rocha’s Defiant Statement
In televised remarks, Rocha proclaimed his innocence and departed his post with a “clean conscience.” He denounced the U.S. charges as an asslt on his ruling Morena party, shared by President Cldia Sheinbm. As a longtime ally of former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Rocha’s situation poses challenges for Sheinbm.
U.S. Indictment Details
The U.S. indictment, unveiled Wednesday, targets Rocha alongside numerous current and former Mexican officials. thorities allege they conspired with the Sinaloa Cartel to smuggle vast quantities of narcotics into the United States.
Rocha stood firm, stating, “I can look at my people and my family in the eye becse 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.”
Political and Diplomatic Tensions
Corruption remains a major issue for Mexicans, fueled by perceptions of ties between politicians and organized crime. Yet, the nation bristles at U.S. involvement, particularly amid threats of military action against cartels from President Donald Trump.
Sheinbm pledges to safeguard Mexican sovereignty, insisting on equal partnership with the United States. She noted that extradition requests tied to the charges require evaluation, demanding “clear evidence” before any arrest warrants proceed.
U.S. pressure intensifies on Mexico to combat corruption and official links to crime groups.
Interim Leadership Appointed
On Saturday, the Sinaloa Congress named Yeraldine Bonilla as interim governor.
