Sheinbaum Demands ‘Irrefutable’ Evidence From US in Rocha Moya Case

Mexico City — President Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday demanded that the United States provide “irrefutable” evidence to support drug trafficking accusations against Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, saying Mexico would not act on unsubstantiated claims.

Speaking at her morning press conference, Sheinbaum said it is up to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office (FGR) to review documents sent by U.S. authorities and determine whether there is sufficient basis to proceed.

“If the FGR, which is the competent authority, receives conclusive and irrefutable evidence under Mexican law, or finds elements of a crime in its own investigation, it must proceed according to the law under our jurisdiction,” Sheinbaum said.

Extradition Requests Under Review

Sheinbaum said the Foreign Ministry received 10 documents on the night of April 28 requesting provisional detention for extradition of Mexican citizens. The ministry forwarded the information to the FGR the following day for analysis under current legal frameworks.

The U.S. Department of Justice later made public the indictment against 10 Mexicans, including the sitting governor of Sinaloa, a senator from the state, and the mayor of Culiacán.

Diplomatic Complaint Over Leak

Sheinbaum also criticized the U.S. for publicly releasing what she described as a confidential document.

“This warrants a complaint from the Foreign Ministry’s legal department, because these processes are confidential under the relevant treaties,” she said.

She insisted her government will not protect any official or individual who has committed crimes, but stressed it will not accept baseless accusations.

“If there is no clear evidence, it is obvious that the aim of these charges by the Department of Justice is political,” she said.

Defense of Sovereignty

The president warned that Mexico will not accept external pressure or decisions imposed from Washington.

“Under no circumstances will we allow the interference of a foreign government in decisions that belong exclusively to the people of Mexico,” she said.

She added that Mexico’s bilateral relations must be conducted on equal terms.

“Mexico establishes a relationship of equals with all nations, never one of subordination, and even less of surrender,” she said.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York on Wednesday filed a formal indictment against Rocha Moya, a member of the Morena party, accusing him of colluding with the “Los Chapitos” faction of the Sinaloa Cartel to facilitate trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine into the United States.