Prominent Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. has been detained by U.S. immigration agents, with efforts underway to expedite his deportation.
Officials allege that Chávez is facing an active arrest warrant in Mexico for his involvement in organized crime, particularly in trafficking firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
Chávez, 39, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Studio City on Wednesday, according to statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The DHS indicated that Chávez had been flagged as a public safety threat but noted that under the Biden administration, he was not considered an enforcement priority.
In January of last year, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested Chávez for illegal possession of an assault weapon and for manufacturing or importing a short-barreled rifle.
Chávez was subsequently convicted on those charges.
Sean Gibbons, Chávez’s manager, confirmed that they are addressing several issues following the boxer’s arrest, although he did not provide further comments.
Michael A. Goldstein, a lawyer representing Chávez, revealed that the boxer was detained outside his home by approximately 25 ICE and law enforcement agents, who effectively blocked the street during the operation.
Goldstein stated that Chávez’s family was left without information regarding his whereabouts during the incident.
He described the accusations against Chávez as outrageous, suggesting they serve to instill fear in the community.
Goldstein emphasized that Chávez poses no threat to public safety.
Julio César Chávez Jr. is the son of the legendary Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez, who is often hailed as Mexico’s greatest boxer.
The younger Chávez recently lost a match against influencer Jake Paul, adding to the urgency surrounding his current predicament.
Prior to that fight, Chávez had expressed fear of immigration enforcement, revealing that one of his trainers had skipped a workout due to such concerns.
He voiced his confusion regarding the violence surrounding immigration and criticized former President Donald Trump for his stance towards immigrants.
Chávez stated, “After everything that’s happened, I wouldn’t want to be deported.”
U.S. authorities labeled Chávez as an “affiliate of the Sinaloa cartel,” a group designated as a “Foreign Terrorist Organization” under Trump’s administration.
DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin reiterated that under Trump’s presidency, legal consequences apply to everyone, including renowned athletes like Chávez.
The DHS noted that Chávez entered the U.S. legally in August 2023 with a B2 tourist visa, which is valid until February 2024.
He had applied for permanent resident status in April of the previous year, based on his marriage to Frida Muñoz, a U.S. citizen related to the Sinaloa cartel through her previous relationship with Edgar Guzmán Loera, the deceased son of notorious cartel leader Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán.
El Chapo, who was a fan of Chávez Sr. during his boxing career, is currently serving a life sentence in a U.S. federal prison after being convicted in 2019.
After Edgar Guzmán’s death in 2008, Muñoz distanced herself from cartel ties and moved to the U.S., eventually beginning a relationship with Chávez.
Their daughter, Frida Sofía, has recently pursued a music career and often attends her stepfather’s boxing matches.
Chávez has faced scrutiny over alleged connections to those involved in drug trafficking.
He has claimed in lengthy social media videos to be friends with Ovidio Guzmán, another son of El Chapo, who is expected to plead guilty to federal drug trafficking charges.
In December 2022, the Department of Homeland Security made a referral to ICE, labeling Chávez “an egregious public safety threat.”
However, an entry in a DHS law enforcement system during the Biden administration indicated that he was not a priority for immigration enforcement.
Chávez was permitted to re-enter the U.S. on January 4, 2023, at the San Ysidro port of entry.
Due to multiple fraudulent statements in his application for lawful permanent residency, he was deemed to be in the U.S. illegally and marked for removal on June 27, 2023.
The Homeland Security announcement stated that a Mexican judge issued an arrest warrant for Chávez in March 2023 for organized crime related to firearms trafficking.
This warrant specifically targets activities involving clandestine transportation of weapons and ammunition into Mexico.
Though Mexican authorities usually refrain from disclosing full names in such cases, they confirmed the existence of an arrest warrant for Julio “C.”
U.S. officials have begun procedures to extradite Chávez to Mexico to face these serious charges.
Following the announcement of his arrest, Chávez’s family released a statement expressing their unwavering support.
They stated, “We reiterate our total and unconditional support to Julio,” adding their belief in his innocence.
The family also called for the appropriate authorities to proceed without external pressure or public speculation.
Chávez Jr. has been involved in boxing since childhood and has faced numerous challenges throughout his career, including issues with discipline and substance abuse.
After winning the WBC middleweight title in 2011 and defending it three times, his career began to decline following a loss to Sergio Martínez in 2012.
Chávez, known as “El Hijo de la Leyenda” or simply “JR,” has had legal issues that have plagued him, including a 2012 DUI conviction that resulted in 13 days of jail time and 36 months of probation.
Goldstein highlighted that Chávez has been present and compliant with his public commitments, noting that recent workouts were open to the public, which would have given law enforcement the chance to intervene if he were indeed a danger.
The lawyer pointed out that Chávez is focusing on personal growth and mental health, anticipating the resolution of his pending case as required by law.
As the situation unfolds, Chávez’s family remains hopeful for a just outcome amid the serious allegations against him.
image source from：latimes
