Kathmandu— The governor of Mexico’s Sinaloa state, Ruben Rocha Moya, has returned to office after taking a leave of absence following accusations by the United States government of collaborating with the Sinaloa Cartel. Rocha announced his return on Friday, maintaining his innocence and claiming exoneration through an investigation by the Mexican Attorney General’s Office (FGR). The US indictment, unsealed in April, alleges that Rocha won his 2021 election with the help of the cartel faction known as ‘The Chapitos,’ who allegedly engaged in ballot theft and kidnapping to secure his victory. This case is part of a broader crackdown on crime across the Western Hemisphere initiated by former President Donald Trump.

US Indictment Details Alleged Cartel Collaboration

The US indictment accuses Rocha, previously a senator and a key figure in the Morena party, of receiving support from ‘The Chapitos’ – the children of imprisoned drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman – during his 2021 gubernatorial campaign. Prosecutors allege that The Chapitos stole ballots belonging to Rocha's rivals and kidnapped members of the opposition to ensure his election victory. In exchange for this assistance, Rocha is accused of allowing the cartel faction to place corrupt officials in positions of power within Sinaloa state.

Mexican Government Calls for Evidence

President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly called on the US government to provide definitive evidence supporting the accusations against Rocha. “No Mexican citizen — regardless of political party affiliation…should be denied a fair trial,” she said in May, emphasizing the need for concrete proof before any punitive measures are taken. She also suggested that Mexico should lead the investigation into the claims, requesting that the US share any evidence with the Mexican Attorney General’s Office.

Conflicting Statements on Investigation Findings

Rocha claimed in a social media post Friday that the 112-day investigation by the FGR found no evidence to support the allegations against him. He stated, “After 112 days of investigation, the Attorney General’s Office has already announced…that there is not a shred of evidence to support any claim of my involvement in criminal conduct.” However, Mexico’s Secretariat of the Interior issued a statement contradicting Rocha's assertion, clarifying that investigations related to the ten individuals indicted by the US – including the governor – remain open. The secretariat affirmed that Rocha’s return to office was a “personal decision”.

Trump Administration’s Broader Crackdown

The charges against Rocha are part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to combat crime in the Western Hemisphere, which includes labeling cartels like Sinaloa as “foreign terrorist organizations.” Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has also threatened military action within Mexico, accusing its cartels of fueling regional bloodshed and depicting the Mexican government as infiltrated by criminal elements. In April, the administration unsealed indictments against ten Mexican officials and businessmen, including a senator from Sinaloa, a public security secretary, and the mayor of Culiacan.

The investigation into the allegations against Governor Rocha remains ongoing, with both the US and Mexico seeking further clarification and evidence related to the case. The situation highlights tensions between the two countries regarding law enforcement and sovereignty.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.