The request from the United States to extradite former Sinaloa governor Rubén Rocha is based on an investigation related to the sons of the former Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera, according to court records. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the need for concrete evidence before taking any action against Rocha, a member of the ruling party, in response to the allegations that he made a deal with the Sinaloa cartel to secure his election in 2021. Sheinbaum stated that the government does not shield anyone without evidence and urged for proof to move forward.
An indictment released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York on April 29 implicated Rocha, who also serves as the mayor of Culiacan and a Mexican senator, along with other former law enforcement officials. The indictment accuses Rocha of providing state security resources to El Chapo’s sons in exchange for support during the 2021 gubernatorial election campaign. The U.S. seeks Rocha’s extradition, marking a significant development as it is the first time a Mexican senior elected official has been indicted by the U.S.
Rocha, affiliated with the National Regeneration Movement party (Morena), is linked to former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. He resigned from his governor position on May 1. The case against Rocha originated from an ongoing investigation targeting the Sinaloa cartel’s fentanyl operations, indicating potential collaboration and specific details provided by informants.
The indictment against Rocha is part of a broader case involving El Chapo’s sons, known as “Los Chapitos,” who lead the faction “La Chapiza” within the cartel. The U.S. indictment against the Chapitos highlighted gruesome activities, including feeding victims to tigers and the cartel’s role in fentanyl trafficking. Both indictments share similarities regarding the cartel’s corruption and use of bribes to maintain operations.
A faction led by El Chapo’s sons has been engaged in a violent conflict with a rival group loyal to El Mayo Zambada’s son, resulting in a high death toll in Sinaloa. The internal cartel strife intensified after one of El Chapo’s sons orchestrated the kidnapping of El Mayo, leading to further unrest within the organization. The situation underscores the pervasive corruption and collusion between criminal elements and government entities in the region, beyond the specific allegations against Rocha.