The relationship between the United States and Mexico is facing a severe test following a high-profile legal action targeting senior Mexican officials. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York has accused ten current and former Mexican officials of colluding with the Sinaloa Cartel, the criminal organization founded by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
Among those named in the accusations are prominent members of the Morena party, including Senator Enrique Inzunza Cázarez and the Governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya. The move reinforces assertions by the administration of Donald Trump that the neighboring country is under the control of drug cartels.
Allegations of Electoral Collusion
U.S. Prosecutors allege that Governor Rocha Moya received support from the Sinaloa Cartel to secure his election. This support reportedly included the utilize of pressure tactics against his political opponents.
In exchange for this assistance, the governor is accused of allowing the criminal group to operate within the state without intervention from state authorities. Rocha Moya has firmly rejected these claims, calling them a “calumny” that lacks any “veracity and foundation.”
A Political Firestorm in Mexico
The accusations have sparked a significant political crisis. During her daily “mañanera” press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that her administration will not cover for anyone who has committed a crime, but suggested the motives behind the U.S. Department of Justice’s imputations are political if clear evidence is lacking.
President Sheinbaum emphasized the defense of national sovereignty, declaring that Mexico will not permit “intromission or interference” from a foreign government regarding decisions that belong exclusively to the Mexican people.
The Career of Rubén Rocha Moya
Rocha Moya is described as a historical figure of the Mexican left. His public career began in 1968 when he was elected secretary of the Federación de Estudiantes Campesinos Socialistas de México. By the early 1980s, he led the Sindicato Único de Trabajadores de la Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa (UAS).
His path to the governorship was long and complex. He first ran in 1986 with a leftist alliance but received less than 2% of the vote. He later served as secretary general of the UAS from 1989 to 1992 and as its rector from 1993 to 1997.
In 1998, he ran for governor under the PRD banner at the invitation of Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), finishing third. Despite his leftist ties, he served as an advisor to PRI governors Jesús Alberto Aguilar Padilla (2005-2010) and Quirino Ordaz Coppel (2017-2021).
Rocha Moya also explored the origins of organized crime through literature, publishing the 2013 novel “El disimulo: así nació el narco.” He joined Morena in 2017, became a senator in 2018, and was finally elected governor in 2021.
Violence and the “Abrazos, no Balazos” Strategy
The governor has been a staunch defender of the “abrazos, no balazos” (hugs, not bullets) strategy championed by AMLO. Rocha Moya has argued that addressing poverty, lack of education, and marginalization is the key to preventing people from turning to crime.
However, the state of Sinaloa has struggled to contain violence. Following the capture of “El Mayo” Zambada in July 2024, a war erupted between Zambada’s followers and “Los Chapitos,” the sons of “El Chapo” Guzmán. Local media reports indicate this conflict has resulted in 3,100 homicides and 3,000 disappearances.
In February, a group of lawyers requested that the Mexican Prosecutor’s Office investigate the governor for his perceived inaction during this crisis.
The “El Mayo” Zambada Conflict
Further complications arose from a letter written by “El Mayo” Zambada. The capo claimed he was lured into a trap by “Los Chapitos,” who promised him a meeting with Governor Rocha Moya. Zambada alleges that the governor never appeared, and he was instead kidnapped and delivered to U.S. Authorities.
Rocha Moya denied these claims, stating he was neither invited to nor aware of such a meeting. Despite this, both AMLO and President Sheinbaum previously expressed their full confidence in the governor.
Rocha Moya argues that the U.S. Accusations are part of a “perverse strategy” to violate national sovereignty. He suggests the goal may be to justify future U.S. Police or military operations against cartels on Mexican soil.
What Could Happen Next
The situation may lead to increased diplomatic friction if the U.S. Continues to push for the extradition or prosecution of the accused officials. Depending on the evidence presented, the Mexican government could either double down on its sovereignty claims or be forced to distance itself from Rocha Moya.
the ongoing violence in Sinaloa may prompt further legal challenges within Mexico, as lawyers and activists continue to question the effectiveness of the state’s security strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rubén Rocha Moya?
He is the current Governor of Sinaloa and a veteran figure of the Mexican left. He has served as a senator and held leadership roles at the Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa before winning the governorship in 2021.
What are the specific allegations made by the U.S. Prosecutors?
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York alleges that Rocha Moya received support from the Sinaloa Cartel to be elected, including pressure on his opponents, in exchange for allowing the cartel to operate without state interference.
How has the Mexican government responded to these charges?
President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Mexico will not protect criminals but suggested the charges are political. She emphasized that Mexico will not allow foreign interference in its domestic decisions.
Do you believe international judicial actions against sitting officials help combat organized crime, or do they primarily undermine national sovereignty?
