Senator Enrique Inzunza (Morena) has reappeared in Sinaloa after being absent from public view for 23 days [1].
His disappearance follows allegations from the U.S. Department of Justice linking the senator to the Los Chapitos cartel [5]. The case highlights the ongoing tension between Mexican political figures and U.S. federal investigations into organized crime.
Inzunza had been missing from his duties since April 29, 2024 [2]. Reports regarding the exact location of his return vary, with some sources placing him in Badiraguato and others in Culiacán [3, 4]. During his return, he met with former governor Javier Corral (PAN) [1].
Despite the legal pressure and the duration of his absence, Inzunza said he will not request a leave of absence from his seat in the Senate. He indicated that he intends to resume his legislative responsibilities immediately.
"Nos vemos en la Comisión Permanente del Senado," Inzunza said [2].
The senator's return comes as a significant moment for the Morena party, which must now navigate the political fallout of a sitting member being targeted by U.S. narcotics investigations. The discrepancy in reports regarding his location suggests a chaotic return to the public eye—one that may be scrutinized by both Mexican and American authorities.
“"Nos vemos en la Comisión Permanente del Senado"”
The return of Senator Inzunza to the Senate without resigning suggests a strategy of political defiance or a belief that the U.S. allegations lack sufficient legal traction within Mexico to force his removal. His meeting with Javier Corral, a political opponent, may be an attempt to signal stability or bipartisan legitimacy during a period of intense legal scrutiny.
