Mexican boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez Jr has been arrested by U.S. immigration officials and is set for expedited deportation to Mexico, where he allegedly faces an active arrest warrant related to organized crime. The incident occurred less than a week after Chavez suffered a defeat at the hands of influencer-boxer Jake Paul in California.
Chavez, 39, has been linked to the infamous Sinaloa drug cartel, as stated by U.S. officials, who allege he has connections to arms trafficking and organized crime. His lawyer has dismissed these claims, labeling them as unfounded.
The boxer was apprehended by officers from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in Studio City, Los Angeles, on Thursday. Following his arrest, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reiterated that "no one is above the law," underscoring the serious nature of Chavez's alleged offenses.
According to DHS, Chavez is a Mexican national with a history of criminal behavior in the U.S., including a recent conviction for illegal possession of an assault weapon. Authorities indicated that he applied for permanent residency last year based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen with alleged prior ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.
Chavez’s arrest follows several prior run-ins with the law in both the U.S. and Mexico, including allegations of weapon trafficking and making fraudulent statements to immigration authorities. His lawyer, Michael Goldstein, has condemned the arrest, claiming it carries a "politically charged" motive aimed at instilling fear in the Latin community.
In the wake of his arrest, Chavez had previously voiced concerns regarding increased immigration raids in Los Angeles, noting a climate of fear within the immigrant community. As he faces the possibility of deportation, the implications of his legal troubles continue to unfold in the public eye.
