The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Thursday that Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a Mexican boxing champion and alleged affiliate of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is now undergoing expedited removal from the country.
He was taken into custody amid serious allegations of organized crime and weapons trafficking and faces an active arrest warrant in Mexico.
Chavez, a well-known figure in the boxing world, is the son of Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., a legendary athlete widely regarded as one of the most iconic fighters in the history of the sport.
His father’s fame spans generations and holds deep cultural significance in Mexico, where he is considered a national sports hero.
Chavez Jr. entered the U.S. legally in August 2023 on a B2 tourist visa, valid until February 2024.
However, ICE arrested him on Wednesday in Studio City, California, after determining he was residing in the country unlawfully.
He is reportedly tied to the Sinaloa Cartel, which the Trump administration designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
The boxer’s legal history includes multiple convictions, according to DHS.
In 2012, Chavez was sentenced to 13 days in jail and 36 months’ probation after being