Ruben Rocha Moya, the governor of the Mexican state of Sinaloa, has returned to his post after taking a leave of absence, following drug trafficking charges filed by the U.S. Department of Justice. Rocha announced his return on social media on Friday, August 21, 2026, stating that he had resumed his duties.
The U.S. charges, unsealed earlier in 2026, allege that Rocha conspired to traffic fentanyl and other drugs into the United States. Rocha has denied any wrongdoing and has not been arrested. Mexican authorities have not taken action against him, as governors have constitutional immunity from prosecution unless removed by Congress.
Rocha's return comes amid political tension, with some Mexican officials calling for him to step down permanently. However, his party, Morena, has expressed support, and he remains in office. The U.S. has not requested his extradition, and legal experts say such a move would be complicated by his official status.
The situation has drawn attention to the ongoing cooperation and friction between Mexico and the U.S. in combating drug trafficking. Sinaloa is the home of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, and the charges against Rocha are part of a broader U.S. effort to target high-level officials allegedly linked to drug trade.
