Mexico’s president condemns governor’s brief return to office

Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya briefly returned to his post after a 112-day absence tied to a US drug-trafficking indictment, then immediately sought another leave. President Sheinbaum called the return reckless and inappropriate.

Rocha is the first sitting Mexican governor charged with drug trafficking by the US, faceing an April indictment. He denies the charges as politically motivated and stepped down for three months before defiantly announcing his return.

The case tests political discipline within Mexico's ruling Morena party and its independence from Washington. A sitting governor accused by the US of drug trafficking raises questions about corruption and governance ahead of ongoing investigations.