Sheinbaum Rejects U.S. ‘Interventionism’ Amid Extradition Request for Sinaloa Governor
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on April 30, 2026, pushed back against U.S. Allegations involving the governor of Sinaloa, emphasizing that evidence is required for such claims and warning against “interventionist” diplomatic behavior.
During her daily press conference at the Salón Tesorería in the National Palace, Sheinbaum addressed the U.S. Government’s request to extradite Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, who has been accused by U.S. Authorities of collaborating with the Sinaloa Cartel. The president revealed that she has spoken directly with Rocha Moya, telling him, “if there is nothing, there is nothing to fear; there must be evidence.”
Sheinbaum confirmed that the case involving the governor, as well as a separate matter concerning CIA agents in Chihuahua, are both currently under the jurisdiction of the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR). The president further defended the state of Sinaloa, stating, “We will continue protecting the people of Sinaloa,” and describing the stigmatization of the region as “grand and remarkably serious.”
The diplomatic tension extended to the U.S. Embassy, with Sheinbaum asserting that “a United States ambassador in Mexico cannot have an interventionist attitude.” Despite these frictions, she reiterated her desire for a relationship defined by respect and understanding with all U.S. States.
This high-stakes diplomatic friction underscores the complex balancing act the Mexican administration faces in managing security cooperation with the U.S. Although maintaining national sovereignty.
On the international front, the president outlined upcoming diplomatic efforts. Sheinbaum announced plans to visit China in November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, noting that Mexico is scheduled to host the event in 2028. She also mentioned a future visit to Brazil to focus on bilateral collaboration and hydrocarbon issues, though a specific date has not yet been finalized.
Sheinbaum touched upon Mexico’s historical relationship with Spain, recalling a period of distance between the two nations following former President López Obrador’s demand for apologies regarding the Spanish Conquest, which she claimed led to a campaign against both the former president and the Mexican people.
Regarding domestic policy, Mario Delgado announced that the government will meet with educators on May 1, 2026, to receive a formal list of demands. Delgado emphasized that the dialogue with teachers remains open and that large-scale protests are unnecessary. A meeting with all education secretaries is scheduled for May 7, 2026, to discuss potential modifications to the academic calendar.
The session, which was noted as the shortest “mañanera” of Sheinbaum’s term, concluded with a celebration of Children’s Day featuring a performance by the children’s musical group “Los Patita de Perro.” The president also announced an upcoming meeting with labor union representatives, noting that Friday’s press conference will be held at one of the union’s headquarters.
