Mexican boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., 39, was apprehended by US immigration authorities on Thursday, raising alarms over his alleged ties to organized crime and an existing arrest warrant in Mexico. The news follows a recent loss against influencer-boxer Jake Paul in California. Chavez Jr., the son of celebrated boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., has been linked to the infamous Sinaloa drug cartel, a charge he vehemently denies through his legal representation.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched deportation proceedings against Chavez Jr., citing his connection to criminal activities, including arms trafficking. Chavez Jr. reportedly sought US residency last year, married to a US citizen purportedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, solidifying concerns over his immigration status. Previous encounters with law enforcement include a conviction for illegal possession of an assault weapon and a traffic-related arrest in 2012.
Chavez Jr.'s attorney described the circumstances surrounding the arrest as sensationalism aimed at intimidating the Latin community. Chavez Jr. previously expressed fears regarding immigration raids in Los Angeles, indicating the societal pressures felt by many immigrants in the region. With undercurrents of political tension and personal challenges, Chavez Jr.’s future remains uncertain as he navigates the ongoing legal obstacles against a backdrop of his boxing career.
