Former world boxing champion Julio César Chávez Jr has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles, accused of ties to the Sinaloa cartel, weapons trafficking, and multiple criminal offenses. ICE agents detained the 39-year-old on Tuesday in Studio City, where he had reportedly been living unlawfully.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Chávez Jr is being processed for deportation to Mexico, where an active arrest warrant awaits him for charges related to organized crime and weapons trafficking. U.S. authorities allege he poses a significant public safety threat.
Despite being flagged in December 2024 as an “egregious public safety threat,” Chávez Jr was allowed to re-enter the U.S. in January 2025 under a discretionary parole policy. His green card application, filed in April 2024 based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, raised red flags due to alleged fraudulent statements and cartel connections.
Federal officials also highlighted his criminal history, including a 2012 DUI conviction, and more recent 2024 convictions for possessing an assault weapon and manufacturing a short-barreled rifle.
Notably, just five days before his arrest, Chávez Jr fought Jake Paul in a highly publicized match in Anaheim, which promoters claim was the highest-grossing boxing event at the Honda Center, bringing in over $1.5 million.
Chávez’s wife, through whom he sought permanent residency, is also under scrutiny for a past relationship with a son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, though she has not been charged.
Once hailed as a rising star in boxing, Julio César Chávez Jr’s career has been marred by substance abuse, legal troubles, and now, allegations of serious criminal activity. He remains in ICE custody awaiting removal proceedings.
