# Security and political instability in Sinaloa

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/security-and-political-instability-in-sinaloa
> Updated: 2026-10-23T13:18:00.000Z. Sources: 35. Developments: 3.

In Sinaloa, the Morena party maintains a strong electoral position with a 38-point voting intention, even as approximately 80% of Culiacán residents report feeling insecure. The political environment has been strained by US Department of Justice allegations regarding the political coverage of drug cartels, which contributed to the temporary leave of Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and the departure of Senator Enrique Inzunza from the Morena caucus. In response to these pressures, the Mexican Congress passed a reform allowing for the annulment of elections if foreign interference is detected. While the state administration was briefly managed by interim governor Yeraldine Bonilla, Rocha Moya has returned to his duties, despite reported resistance from President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Security concerns have escalated with reports of violence in the region. In Mazatlán, deadly armed clashes at the El Castillo prison on October 8 and 9 resulted in 12 deaths and 16 injuries. The first incident, occurring during family visiting hours, reportedly left nine inmates and a two-year-old child dead, while a second clash the following day involving knives claimed two more lives. Federal authorities linked the violence to factional disputes within the Sinaloa Cartel, specifically involving the ‘Los Chapitos’ and ‘Los Mayos’ groups. 

In response, Governor Graciela Domínguez Nava and state security officials removed Enrique Mora García from his position as director of the El Castillo penitentiary to prevent interference with ongoing investigations. Additionally, federal authorities transferred 49 inmates to other correctional facilities across Mexico to decompress the state prison system. Security forces, including the Mexican Navy, have increased surveillance at the facility. Due to rising insecurity, the Canaco Mazatlán Chamber of Commerce has canceled the Expo Feria Canaco 2026.

## Claims

- Federal authorities transferred 49 inmates from Sinaloa prisons to other centers in the country. (disputed by 2 sources)
- A total of 48 inmates were removed from El Castillo prison, including 47 men and one woman. (disputed by 2 sources)
- Two riots occurred at the prison on October 8 and 9, 2026. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The riots resulted in 12 deaths, including 11 inmates and one child visitor. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- At least 16 inmates were injured during the violence. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Enrique Mora García has been removed from his position as director of the El Castillo Penitentiary. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The removal of the director is intended to prevent interference in investigations by the Internal Control Body and the State Attorney General's Office. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The violence is linked to disputes between Sinaloa Cartel factions known as 'Los Chapitos' and 'Los Mayos'. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The recent prison riots are being investigated as intentional homicide. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The first riot involved firearms, while the second involved knives. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-23: Mazatlán prison director removed following deadly riots

Sinaloa authorities removed the director of Mazatlán's El Castillo prison following two violent riots in October that killed 12 people, including 11 inmates and a visiting child.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mazatln-prison-director-removed-following-fatal-riots

### 2026-10-15: Sinaloa prison riots lead to transfer of 49 inmates

Federal authorities transferred 49 inmates from Sinaloa prisons following violent riots at El Castillo prison in Mazatlán that left 12 people dead. Investigations into the homicides are ongoing.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-cabos-business-council-urges-vetting-of-mayoral-candidates

### 2026-10-10: Sinaloa: Morena holds strong polling amid security and political tensions

Morena maintains strong polling in Sinaloa despite high insecurity in Culiacán and political tensions following US allegations of cartel coverage and subsequent legislative reforms regarding foreign influence.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sinaloa-political-landscape-faces-security-and-federal-tensions

---
Cite as: Security and political instability in Sinaloa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/security-and-political-instability-in-sinaloa