Boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is facing deportation following his arrest by the United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Wednesday.
The US Department of Homeland Security issued a statement on Thursday announcing the arrest of Chavez, whom they say has ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.
According to a press release, Chavez’s tourist visa expired in Feb. 2024. He filed an application for lawful permanent resident status in April 2024. This application was based on his marriage to a woman who is a U.S. citizen, and who is connected to the Sinaloa Cartel through a previous relationship with a now-deceased son of cartel leader “El Chapo.”
Chavez, who has gone 54-7-1 (1 no contest) during his boxing career, was labeled by the U.S. government in December as an “egregious public safety threat.” The new administration decided to arrest Chavez this week, just four days after his fight with Jake Paul.
“This Sinaloa Cartel affiliate with an active arrest warrant for trafficking guns, ammunition, and explosives was arrested by ICE. It is shocking the previous administration flagged this criminal illegal alien as a public safety threat, but chose to not prioritize his removal and let him leave and COME BACK into our country,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement. “Under President Trump, no one is above the law—including world-famous athletes. Our message to any cartel affiliates in the U.S. is clear: We will find you and you will face consequences. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.”
Chavez is from Sinaloa. He is the son of famous former boxer Julio Cesar Chavez.
