On Tuesday, Rubén Rocha Moya, the governor of Sinaloa currently on leave, announced that he appeared before Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) after being summoned over allegations from the United States linking him to drug trafficking.

In a message shared on social media, Rocha Moya stated, “With my head held high, I will not stop fighting for the truth to prevail.”

The FGR had revealed last Saturday that it summoned 10 individuals named in an indictment filed in the Southern District of New York, including Rocha Moya, as part of an ongoing investigation in Mexico triggered by the case.

Rocha Moya confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that he appeared at the FGR’s office in Culiacán, Sinaloa, where he answered questions from the Federal Public Prosecutor. “I am firmly determined to respond to any call from the investigative authority, whenever it deems necessary,” he said.

He explained that he appeared before the FGR because he trusts the Mexican judicial system, the rule of law, and respects the country’s justice institutions. Rocha Moya also referenced the ongoing reforms of the “Fourth Transformation” movement, stating these have “strengthened and legitimized” Mexico’s democratic and justice systems. He added that he was “inspired, as well, by the honest and statesmanlike leadership of our president.”

Vice Prosecutor of Sinaloa Also Testifies
Also on Tuesday afternoon, Dámaso Castro Saavedra, Sinaloa’s vice prosecutor on leave, appeared before the FGR. Upon leaving, Castro Saavedra expressed confidence in his work and said he would let the authorities complete their investigation. “I trust my work and the institutional work. I reject these accusations. We will wait for the investigation to be completed,” he said, adding that he responded to the FGR’s summons because he trusts the federal agency’s investigative process.

Background: U.S. Accusations and Mexican Investigation
The FGR’s summons follows the April 29 announcement by the Southern District of New York, which indicted Rocha Moya and nine other current or former Sinaloa officials and commanders on charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the accused allegedly conspired with Sinaloa cartel leaders to import large quantities of narcotics into the United States in exchange for political support and bribes.

The list released by the Department of Justice includes, in addition to Rocha Moya, Senator Enrique Inzunza Cázares, former state secretary Enrique Díaz Vega, Dámaso Castro Saavedra, Marco Antonio Almanza Avilés, Alberto Jorge Contreras Núñez, Gerardo Mérida Sánchez, José Antonio Dionisio Hipólito, Juan de Dios Gámez Mendívil, and Juan Valenzuela Millán.

The FGR stated last Saturday that it is taking “pertinent actions” as part of its investigation, including summoning those named to provide statements at the Federal Public Prosecutor’s office, aiming to “advance with seriousness and thoroughness.”

For Mexican migrants abroad and international residents in Mexico, this case highlights the ongoing challenges of political accountability and the cross-border impact of drug policy and justice reforms. As the investigation unfolds, both Mexican and U.S. authorities are under scrutiny for how they handle high-profile allegations involving public officials.