Julio César Chávez Jr. Arrested Over Cartel Warrant

Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Los Angeles on July 3, 2025, based on an active Mexican warrant alleging involvement in organized crime and weapons trafficking linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. U.S. authorities state Chávez, a former WBC middleweight champion and son of boxing legend Julio César Chávez Sr., entered the country illegally and is being processed for expedited removal. The Department of Homeland Security reports he has a U.S. criminal record, including weapons charges, and that his permanent residency application was recently denied over alleged false information. Chávez's lawyer disputes the cartel allegations, calling them sensationalized, and asserts that Chávez has complied with all court-mandated mental health and legal requirements. The arrest occurred days after Chávez lost a high-profile boxing match to Jake Paul, drawing renewed attention to his personal and legal troubles. The case highlights the Biden and Trump administrations' continued focus on removing individuals with alleged cartel ties and significant criminal records.