Chavez Jr., 39, a former middleweight world champion, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Studio City, Los Angeles, with U.S. officials announcing plans to deport him based on allegations of his involvement with the infamous Sinaloa drug cartel. These claims surfaced shortly after Chavez suffered a defeat by influencer Jake Paul at a California boxing match last week.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Chavez Jr. is being processed for "expedited removal" and cited his "active arrest warrant in Mexico" related to organized crime and illegal weapons trafficking. The DHS spokeswoman highlighted the enforcement of U.S. immigration law under former President Trump's administration, asserting that "no one is above the law."
Chavez Jr. is the son of legendary boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., revered in boxing history. Despite his father's legacy, the younger Chavez's recent legal troubles paint a troubling picture. U.S. officials claim he has a history of arrests connected to weapons offenses, including a conviction for illegal possession of an assault weapon in January 2024 and an arrest warrant for alleged weapons trafficking. Furthermore, the boxer is accused of making fraudulent statements to immigration authorities while seeking permanent residency, a process complicated by his marriage to a U.S. citizen with alleged ties to the Sinaloa cartel.
In response to the allegations, Chavez Jr.'s attorney described his arrest as an attempt to scapegoat the Latin community. Additionally, prior to his arrest, Chavez Jr. addressed fears of immigration raids at a public workout, noting concerns within the immigrant community about increasing crackdowns.
Following his contended arrest, Chavez Jr. faces a complicated legal battle that intertwines his sports career with serious legal implications amid a tense political landscape regarding immigration and organized crime.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Chavez Jr. is being processed for "expedited removal" and cited his "active arrest warrant in Mexico" related to organized crime and illegal weapons trafficking. The DHS spokeswoman highlighted the enforcement of U.S. immigration law under former President Trump's administration, asserting that "no one is above the law."
Chavez Jr. is the son of legendary boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., revered in boxing history. Despite his father's legacy, the younger Chavez's recent legal troubles paint a troubling picture. U.S. officials claim he has a history of arrests connected to weapons offenses, including a conviction for illegal possession of an assault weapon in January 2024 and an arrest warrant for alleged weapons trafficking. Furthermore, the boxer is accused of making fraudulent statements to immigration authorities while seeking permanent residency, a process complicated by his marriage to a U.S. citizen with alleged ties to the Sinaloa cartel.
In response to the allegations, Chavez Jr.'s attorney described his arrest as an attempt to scapegoat the Latin community. Additionally, prior to his arrest, Chavez Jr. addressed fears of immigration raids at a public workout, noting concerns within the immigrant community about increasing crackdowns.
Following his contended arrest, Chavez Jr. faces a complicated legal battle that intertwines his sports career with serious legal implications amid a tense political landscape regarding immigration and organized crime.
