Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was arrested this week by the United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and a video has since emerged that shows the professional boxer being detained.
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 in Mexico. Chavez is facing deportation after authorities say his tourist visa expired in Feb. 2024.
Chavez filed an application for lawful permanent resident status in April 2024. The 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 was arrested by ICE in Studio City, Calif., on Wednesday. Matthew Seedorff of FOX 11 in Los Angeles obtained footage of the 39-year-old being taken into custody.
NEW; Through federal sources, I have obtained video of ICE arresting Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Wednesday in Studio City, CA. The boxer is accused of being affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel. pic.twitter.com/FpD0v4aTta
— Matthew Seedorff (@MattSeedorff) July 3, 2025
Chavez 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.
Chavez, who is the son of famous former boxer Julio Cesar Chavez, has gone 54-7-1 (1 no contest) during his boxing career. An attorney representing Chavez has issued a strong statement about the ICE detainment.
