Tensions and rejections towards the governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha, are growing among civil society, which demands his resignation in protests. In the final baseball game between Tomateros de Culiacán and Charros de Jalisco, about 20,000 people gathered to chant slogans such as "Out Rocha Moya!" The protesters wore white clothing as a symbol of support for peace, a scarce good in Sinaloa since violence erupted more than three months ago after the arrest of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada.
Amid accusations of links with the Sinaloa Cartel, pressure on Rocha Moya has increased, and his tenure in office has been questioned. Some have even challenged President Claudia Sheinbaum, asking why the governor has not been removed, to which she has responded that only the people can do so. Due to the lack of results to restore peace in Sinaloa, residents have taken to the streets demanding the revocation of Rocha Moya's mandate, who recently stated that his administration is experiencing a state of normalcy.
The wave of violence in Sinaloa was triggered by the arrest of the drug lord 'El Mayo', sparking clashes between Los Chapitos and the Zambada family. Between September and December, 651 murders were recorded, and more than a thousand vehicles were stolen, of which only 351 have been recovered. The Attorney General reported 513 missing persons, of which 200 have been located alive, 74 deceased, and 239 still missing. During the violent period, numerous weapons and grenades were seized.
Despite the protests, Rubén Rocha Moya has stated several times that he will remain in his position as governor. The Sinaloa Constitution outlines what would happen in the case of his absence, establishing that temporary absences of up to 30 days would be filled by the Secretary of Government, and prolonged absences would require the designation of an Interim Governor by Congress. Rocha Moya assumed office in November 2021, and his term would conclude in 2027. The first march against his administration took place on Thursday, January 23.
