Mexican President Questions US Allegations of Sinaloa Governor's Drug Ties
Elizabeth Melimopoulos
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed doubt over US allegations that Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha collaborated with the Sinaloa drug cartel, following an indictment accusing him and nine others of organized crime ties. Sheinbaum demanded clear evidence, otherwise calling the US accusations political, as Rocha denied the claims and vowed to fight them. The case underscores tensions in US-Mexico relations amid Mexico's ongoing crackdown on cartels.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed skepticism over US allegations that Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha collaborated with the Sinaloa drug cartel, after US prosecutors unsealed an indictment accusing him of suspected ties to organized crime.
Speaking on Thursday, Sheinbaum stated: "My position on these events is as follows: truth, justice, and the protection of sovereignty." She argued that the US accusations lack credibility unless supported by concrete evidence.
She emphasized: "If the Attorney General's Office, which is the competent authority, receives clear and irrefutable evidence under Mexican law, or if their own investigation finds elements constituting a crime, they must proceed legally within our jurisdiction." She also affirmed that any wrongdoing would be addressed if proven.
However, Sheinbaum noted: "We will not cover up anyone who commits a crime; but without clear evidence, clearly the purpose of these accusations from the US Department of Justice is political."
The indictment, unsealed in New York, charges Governor Rocha along with nine current and former officials with ties to the Sinaloa cartel. Prosecutors allege the group worked with cartel leaders to transport large quantities of drugs into the US in exchange for political support and bribes.
According to the allegations, these relationships extended to Rocha's 2021 gubernatorial campaign, when members of the cartel's "Chapitos" faction allegedly backed him by interfering in the vote, including stealing ballots and ballot boxes, as well as kidnapping and threatening opposition candidates.
US authorities said some of the accused are linked to the sons of jailed cartel co-founder Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, and that officials used their positions to shield cartel operations.
Governor Rocha has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated, and vowed to challenge them. In a statement, he said: "This attack is not only against me, but against the Fourth Transformation movement, its symbolic leaders, and the Mexican people who represent that cause."
Analysts suggest the coming days will be crucial to see how President Sheinbaum's administration responds. Vanda Felbab-Brown, a expert at the Brookings Institution, noted that if charged officials are extradited to the US, it could provide US authorities with a clearer picture of corruption within the government and the Morena party.
The case comes as the Mexican government has intensified efforts to confront powerful drug cartels, conducting a series of campaigns targeting organized crime figures in recent months.
