Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya Faces US Extradition Probe Amid Rising Violence

Rubén Rocha Moya, the 77‑year‑old governor of Sinaloa who took a leave of absence on 2 May 2026, is celebrating his birthday on 15 June while under scrutiny from United States authorities. Federal officials in the US have opened an investigation into alleged ties to drug trafficking and illegal firearms and have lodged an extradition request, though no arrest has been made and no judicial resolution is pending.

During his administration, the state’s crime statistics have worsened sharply. Reported offenses rose from 27,386 in 2021 to 39,003 in 2025, a 42 % increase, with homicides climbing 75 % from 1,106 in 2022 to 936 in 2025. Property crimes also rose markedly. Opposition politicians and civil‑society groups have used the situation to criticize the governor’s leadership and alleged authoritarianism, while legal experts note that the extradition treaty’s 60‑day clock starts only after a detention occurs.