Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was taken into custody by federal immigration agents on Wednesday (July 3) in Los Angeles, just days after losing a high-profile boxing match to Jake Paul, due to a series of criminal convictions and alleged cartel ties that led to his expedited removal proceedings.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Thursday (July 3) that Chavez is being processed for deportation after overstaying his visa and submitting what authorities described as “multiple fraudulent statements” in his application for permanent residency. The former WBC middleweight champion entered the U.S. legally in August 2023 on a B2 tourist visa, which expired in February 2024.
Chavez, 38, was convicted earlier this year in Los Angeles for possessing an assault weapon and for manufacturing or importing a short-barreled rifle. He also has a 2012 DUI conviction in the U.S. and an active arrest warrant in Mexico tied to alleged arms trafficking for the Sinaloa Cartel, according to DHS.
In April, Chavez applied for a green card based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen. However, DHS officials said his spouse had prior ties to the Sinaloa Cartel through a relationship with the deceased son of cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
By December 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services flagged Chavez as “an egregious public safety threat” and referred his case to ICE. Despite that, DHS noted that “an entry in a DHS law enforcement system under the Biden administration indicated Chavez was not an immigration enforcement priority.”
Chavez reentered the U.S. in January 2024 through the San Ysidro port of entry. DHS determined on June 27 that he was in the country unlawfully and subject to removal.
“It is shocking the previous administration flagged this criminal illegal alien as a public safety threat, but chose to not prioritize his removal and let him leave and COME BACK into our country,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. “Under President Trump, no one is above the law—including world-famous athletes.”
McLaughlin added, “Our message to any cartel affiliates in the U.S. is clear: We will find you and you will face consequences. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.”
Chavez’s arrest came just four days after his loss to Paul at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Paul won the 10-round bout by unanimous decision, earning his first official ranking at No. 14 in the WBA cruiserweight division.
Chavez is the son of Julio Cesar Chavez, a boxing icon who held world titles in four weight classes.
Chavez was deemed removable from the United States on June 27.