Julio César Chávez Jr. was arrested this Wednesday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Studio City, Los Angeles, only days after stepping back into the ring to face influencer Jake Paul.
U.S. officials say the Mexican boxer is wanted in his home country for suspected involvement in organized crime and trafficking firearms, ammunition, and explosives, with possible ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.
The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement confirming the arrest and noting that an expedited removal process is underway.
“Under President Trump, no one is above the law — including world-famous athletes. Our message is clear: any cartel affiliates operating in the U.S. will be found and face the consequences.”
Records show Chávez Jr. entered the U.S. legally in August 2023 on a B2 visa valid until February 2024. He later applied for permanent residency through marriage to an American citizen who allegedly has links to the Sinaloa Cartel through a past relationship with the late son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) later confirmed the arrest warrant, issued in March 2023 for organized crime and arms trafficking, and said it has started extradition proceedings.
