The United States government announced on Thursday the arrest of the well-known Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr., accused of participating in organized crime activities and arms trafficking linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, and confirmed that he will be deported in the coming days.
“An affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel, with an active arrest warrant for trafficking in arms, ammunition, and explosives, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” stated Tricia McLaughlin, the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in an official statement.
Arrest and background
Chávez Jr., a Mexican citizen and son of former boxer Julio César Chávez, was arrested on July 2 in Studio City, California. According to the DHS, the boxer entered the United States in August 2023 with a B2 tourist visa that expired in February 2024.
Subsequently, on April 2, 2024, he applied for legal permanent residency after marrying a U.S. citizen who had ties to a deceased son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Despite the fact that in December 2024 the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) alerted ICE that Chávez posed a serious threat to public safety, internal records revealed that the Biden administration did not prioritize him for immigration enforcement, allowing him to re-enter the country on parole in January 2025.
Finally, after it was determined that Chávez, who fought -and lost- in June against actor and influencer Jake Paul, was illegally present in the country and had made multiple fraudulent statements in his immigration application, ICE proceeded with his arrest and the initiation of expedited deportation proceedings.
Links to the Cartel and criminal background
Chávez Jr. faces an arrest warrant in Mexico issued on January 14, 2023, for organized crime offenses related to arms and explosives trafficking.
The boxer also has a long criminal record in the United States, as he was convicted in 2012 for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, while in 2024 he ended up arrested in Los Angeles for illegal possession of an assault weapon and manufacturing or importing a short-barreled rifle, charges for which he was convicted.
The DHS asserts that Chávez is a member of the Sinaloa Cartel, an organization designated as a foreign terrorist by President Donald Trump in 2025. According to the authorities, this cartel is responsible for kidnappings, torture, murders of American citizens, and the mass trafficking of fentanyl into the U.S.
Official statements
"It is shocking that the previous administration identified this undocumented criminal as a threat to public safety but chose not to prioritize his deportation," stated Undersecretary McLaughlin.
"Under President Trump, no one is above the law, including world-famous athletes. Our message to any cartel affiliate in the United States is clear: we will find you, and you will face the consequences. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over," he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions about the arrest of Julio César Chávez Jr. and his connection to the Sinaloa Cartel
Why was Julio César Chávez Jr. arrested in the United States?
Julio César Chávez Jr. was arrested for his involvement in organized crime and arms trafficking linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. In addition, he had an active arrest warrant in Mexico for offenses related to arms and explosives trafficking.
What were the reasons for the expedited deportation of Julio César Chávez Jr.?
Chávez Jr. entered the United States with an expired tourist visa and subsequently made fraudulent statements in his immigration application. His illegal stay in the country and his threat to public safety prompted ICE to proceed with his arrest and expedited deportation.
What is Julio César Chávez Jr.'s connection to the Sinaloa Cartel?
U.S. authorities assert that Chávez Jr. is a member of the Sinaloa Cartel, an organization designated as a foreign terrorist group. He is accused of participating in the trafficking of weapons and explosives in connection with the cartel, and his marriage to a U.S. citizen linked to Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán's son strengthens this association.
What have been the statements from the U.S. government regarding the deportation of Chávez Jr.?
The Undersecretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, stated that the Trump administration will not allow cartels to operate without consequences. She emphasized that the deportation of Chávez Jr. is a clear message to cartel affiliates that they will face the consequences of their criminal acts in the United States.
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