Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the celebrated Mexican boxer and son of the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez Sr, was arrested by US immigration agents in Studio City, Los Angeles, on Thursday. US officials are moving to deport the 39-year-old athlete, citing an active arrest warrant against him in Mexico for alleged involvement in organized crime, specifically linked to firearms and drug trafficking.
The arrest comes just days after Chavez Jr's boxing match against influencer Jake Paul, which he lost. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) labeled Chavez Jr as a "criminal illegal alien," emphasizing his supposed connections to the notorious Sinaloa drug cartel. A DHS spokeswoman reiterated the stance that accountability applies to all individuals, including high-profile athletes, under the current administration.
Chavez Jr's lawyer, however, has vehemently denied any allegations related to cartel connections, claiming the accusations serve to instill fear within the Latin community. Chavez Jr previously applied for US permanent residency, through marriage to a US citizen reportedly linked by a past relationship with Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's son.
Despite his accolades, Chavez Jr has faced a series of legal troubles in the US. He was previously arrested for illegal possession of an assault weapon and faced further scrutiny for overstaying a tourist visa that expired last February. Return to Mexico seems inevitable as the deportation process unfolds.
In a poignant last public appearance, Chavez Jr lamented about intensified immigration raids in Los Angeles, sharing sentiments of fear and hostility towards immigrants under the current political climate. As his legal battles unfold, the implications of his arrest resonate deeply within the Latin community he claims to represent.
