Mexico Governor Ruben Rocha has requested another leave of absence from office, barely one day after returning to his position after more than three months abroad. The action comes as political pressure mounts on the Sinaloa governor over US allegations of drug trafficking, bribery, and alleged cartel protection.
Rocha, 77, is a member of the ruling Morena party led by President Claudia Sheinbaum. His decision to return to office on Friday drew condemnation from both the Mexican government and Morena members, who questioned if he was prioritizing his own interests over those of the public.
Mexico Governor Ruben Rocha Requests Fresh Leave
Rocha submitted his latest request for leave on Saturday, August 22, according to information released by his office. His return to the governor’s post had already created political tension within Morena.
Earlier on Saturday, President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a message on X advising against placing personal interests above of the people and the country. Although she did not specifically identify Rocha, her remarks were generally seen as adding to the governor’s political pressure.
Rocha later responded on X, saying that Sinaloa, Mexico and the political transformation movement should remain above individual interests.
The latest development comes shortly after Rocha resumed his duties following an extended absence. He had been away from the governor’s office for more than three months after U.S. authorities brought serious criminal allegations against him.
US Accuses Rocha of Cartel Connections
In April, US federal prosecutors charged Rocha and nine other current and former Mexican officials with collaborating with Los Chapitos, a part of the formidable Sinaloa Cartel.
According to the charges, the officers assisted the group in transporting illegal substances into the United States. In exchange, prosecutors claimed they obtained political support and bribes.
The case marks an unusual expansion of US anti-cartel efforts, with accusations going beyond drug-trafficking executives to a sitting top Mexican politician.
Rocha has denied the claims, claiming that the US case is politically driven. He claims that the accusations are related to political activities against President Sheinbaum’s movement.
Sheinbaum Government Faces Political Pressure
The Mexican government has stated that US agents did not give sufficient evidence to support Rocha’s detention or extradition. At the same time, the Mexican government launched its own probe into the charges.
Rocha’s return to the office, however, appeared to elicit a cold response from both Sheinbaum and Morena. The reaction revealed ongoing political tensions within the ruling party over the allegations against the governor.
The latest vacation request may provide short relief from the current political conflict, but the accusations against Rocha remain unanswered.
For the time being, Mexican Governor Ruben Rocha is under pressure from both legal claims from the United States and mounting criticism inside Mexico’s dominant political elite. His extended leave request adds another chapter to a case that has become a major political issue for Morena and the Mexican government.
