Two former high-ranking officials from Mexico's Sinaloa state have surrendered to United States authorities over alleged ties to the Sinaloa cartel, creating pressure for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Gerardo Mérida Sánchez, the state's former security minister, crossed the border into Arizona last week and was taken into custody by US marshals, according to Mexico's security ministry. Separately, Enrique Díaz Vega, Sinaloa's former finance minister, was taken into custody in New York.

Both officials were members of Sheinbaum's ruling Morena party. The surrenders come as the Mexican government faces scrutiny over potential connections between organized crime groups and political figures.

President Sheinbaum has denied any links between her Morena party and organized crime organizations. The Sinaloa cartel is one of Mexico's most powerful drug trafficking organizations, with operations spanning international borders.

The cases highlight ongoing challenges in US-Mexico cooperation on law enforcement matters involving cartel activities. The specific charges against the two officials have not been disclosed by US authorities.