Mexican Boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr Arrested by ICE, Faces Deportation over Cartel, Weapons Charges

Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Studio City, California, for overstaying his tourist visa, which expired in February 2024, and is facing deportation to Mexico. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleges that Chávez Jr. has an active arrest warrant in Mexico for involvement in organized crime, including trafficking firearms, ammunition, and explosives, and claims he is affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel. Federal officials also say his attempt to obtain U.S. permanent residency through marriage was marred by multiple fraudulent statements, and his spouse has alleged past ties to the cartel. Chávez Jr.'s attorney denies the criminal allegations, calling them 'outrageous.' The arrest comes days after Chávez Jr.'s loss to Jake Paul, and follows a history of legal troubles, including prior U.S. convictions for DUI and illegal possession of firearms. DHS officials highlighted that prior administrations flagged Chávez as a public safety threat but did not prioritize his removal, while current enforcement seeks to crack down on alleged cartel affiliates.