Sen. Enrique Inzunza (Morena) rejected requests to take a temporary leave of absence from the Mexican Senate following accusations from the U.S. Department of Justice [1].
The decision keeps a sitting lawmaker in office while he faces serious allegations of ties to narcotics trafficking. This creates a tension between the legislative process in Mexico City and legal proceedings initiated by U.S. authorities.
Reports emerged on May 2, 2026 [1], stating that Inzunza refused to seek a leave of absence. Despite some conflicting reports suggesting the Senate had approved such a leave, other records indicate that Inzunza explicitly declined to step aside [1], [2].
Inzunza addressed the situation on May 3, 2026 [2]. He said that he would return to the Senate and would not request a license to be absent. The senator emphasized his willingness to cooperate with the legal process while maintaining his legislative duties.
"No pediré licencia y estaré a la orden de las autoridades," Inzunza said [3].
The accusations from the U.S. Department of Justice also involve former governor Rubén Rocha Moya [2]. While Rocha Moya's situation has been compared to Inzunza's, Inzunza has specifically distanced himself from the path of requesting a temporary leave [2].
"Regresaré al Senado y no solicitaré licencia, estaré a disposición de las autoridades," Inzunza said [2].
Inzunza's refusal to step down means he remains a voting member of the Chamber of Senators in Mexico City. He continues to represent his constituency while the U.S. government pursues its case regarding the alleged narcotics links [1], [3].
“"No pediré licencia y estaré a la orden de las autoridades."”
The refusal of a high-ranking official to step down during a foreign criminal investigation highlights the complex intersection of diplomatic relations and domestic political stability in Mexico. By remaining in office, Inzunza maintains his political platform and immunity protections, while the U.S. Department of Justice continues to apply pressure through international legal channels.
