Mexico News | Mexican Governor And Mayor Indicted By US For Drug Trafficking Step Down
Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya stepped aside Friday night after being named in a U.S. drug trafficking indictment, triggering a leadership change and public reaction in northwestern Mexico. The move comes after U.S. authorities charged Rocha and nine other politicians and security officials with alleged involvement in trafficking operations tied to the Sinaloa cartel—accusations he has denied. Rocha said he would step aside to defend himself and cooperate with Mexican authorities while maintaining that the allegations are unfounded. The local congress approved his request for a temporary leave of absence and appointed Yeraldine Bonilla Valverde as interim governor. The mayor of Sinaloa’s capital, Culiacán, Juan de Dios Gámez MendÃvil—also named in the indictment—similarly announced he would take leave from his post. By stepping down, both officials lose legal immunity tied to their offices, potentially exposing them to prosecution, according to federal officials. Mexico’s attorney general has said no arrests will be made while the investigation continues, despite U.S. requests.
