Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, the renowned Mexican boxer, was arrested by U.S. immigration agents and is facing deportation to Mexico due to an active arrest warrant associated with organized crime, according to U.S. officials. Chavez Jr's attorney denies the allegations, claiming the charges are baseless.
Mexican Boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr Arrested for Immigration Violations
Mexican Boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr Arrested for Immigration Violations
Former middleweight champion faces deportation over organized crime allegations linked to the Sinaloa Cartel.
On Thursday, renowned Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr was apprehended by United States immigration authorities in Studio City, Los Angeles. The 39-year-old former middleweight world champion now faces imminent deportation to Mexico, where he allegedly has an active warrant related to organized crime involvement, as stated by federal officials.
Less than a week prior to his arrest, Chavez Jr suffered a defeat in the boxing ring against influencer Jake Paul in a match in Anaheim, California. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the boxer is purportedly connected to the infamous Sinaloa drug cartel. His legal representation has denied these claims, asserting that the allegations are nothing more than sensationalist headlines targeting the Latin community.
"Under President Trump, no one is above the law - including world-famous athletes," remarked a DHS spokeswoman following the arrest. Chavez Jr is reportedly in the process of "expedited removal" as a "criminal illegal alien" from the U.S.
The DHS report indicated that Chavez Jr has a history of legal issues in the U.S., including previous arrests connected to weapons offenses. In January 2024, he was convicted for illegal possession of an assault weapon. The boxer has also faced charges related to trafficking weapons for criminal organizations and was arrested in 2012 for driving under the influence without a valid license.
Chavez Jr's attempts to gain permanent residency in the U.S. have also been scrutinized, with officials alleging that he made several false statements to immigration authorities and overstayed a tourist visa that expired last February. His lawyer, Michael Goldstein, denounced the alleged cartel links, noting that they were the first time such accusations have surfaced.
Two weeks prior to his recent fight, Chavez Jr expressed concerns over the increasing immigration raids in Los Angeles, revealing that he himself feared deportation. "I'm from Sinaloa, where things are really ugly," he stated. He lamented the situation of immigrants under the current political climate, highlighting the fears plaguing his community.
With these developments unfolding, the future of Chavez Jr remains uncertain as he contemplates the implications of his legal troubles and potential return to Mexico.
