Just days after a high-profile boxing loss to Jake Paul, former WBC middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr. has found himself in an even more devastating fight—this time, with U.S. federal authorities.
On Wednesday, July 2, Chávez Jr. was arrested by federal agents in Studio City, California, only four days after his unanimous decision loss to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul at Honda Center in Anaheim. The arrest was carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and on Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the 39-year-old is now being processed for expedited removal from the United States.
Arrest Tied to Organized Crime Allegations and Immigration Violations
In a shocking twist, DHS officials revealed that Chávez Jr. has an outstanding arrest warrant in Mexico for alleged involvement in organized crime, including trafficking firearms, ammunition, and explosives. He is the son of boxing legend Julio César Chávez Sr. and hails from Sinaloa—a region infamous for its ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.
According to DHS, Chávez entered the U.S. legally on a B2 tourist visa in August 2023, which expired in February 2024. He later applied for permanent residency after marrying a U.S. citizen. However, DHS alleges that his spouse has connections to the Sinaloa Cartel—specifically through a previous relationship with the deceased son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the notorious drug kingpin.
In December 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services flagged Chávez as an “egregious public safety threat.” Despite this, he was allowed re-entry into the U.S. in January 2025 under the grounds that he was not an enforcement priority at that time.
That changed on June 27, 2025, when authorities determined that Chávez was in the country illegally, citing multiple fraudulent claims in his permanent residency application.
A Boxer’s Fall from Grace
Julio César Chávez Jr.’s arrest marks a sharp downturn in a career already full of ups and downs. A former world champion with a professional record of 54-7-1 and 34 knockouts, Chávez once shared the ring with the likes of Canelo Álvarez and Anderson Silva.
After a split-decision loss to Silva in 2021, Chávez rebounded with wins over David Zegarra and Uriah Hall. But last weekend, he fell short once again, losing to Jake Paul—a defeat many saw as the final chapter of a declining career.
Now, the former champion faces a new opponent: the U.S. immigration system, with potential extradition looming due to his alleged ties to organized crime.
What’s Next for Chávez Jr.?
At the time of writing, Chávez remains in ICE custody. If DHS proceeds with deportation, he may soon be returned to Mexico—where he faces arrest on far more serious charges than anything he's faced in the ring.
For fans of boxing, Chávez Jr.’s case is a dramatic reminder of how quickly a career can unravel—and how personal choices can overshadow professional accomplishments.
