Just a few days after his boxing match against Jake Paul, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and is now facing deportation from the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the arrest on Thursday, stating that Chavez, a Mexican citizen, is subject to an active arrest warrant in Mexico. The warrant relates to his alleged involvement in organized crime, as well as the trafficking of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
In a press release concerning the detention, DHS also identified the boxer as an alleged affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel, which is designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. He was taken into custody in California on July 2.
DHS detailed that Chavez had applied for permanent resident status in April 2024, basing his application on his marriage to a U.S. citizen. This citizen is reportedly connected to the Sinaloa Cartel through a previous relationship with the deceased son of notorious cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. DHS claims that in December 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services referred Chavez to ICE, labeling him an “egregious public safety threat.” However, under the previous administration led by President Joe Biden, DHS indicated the boxer was “not an immigration enforcement priority.”
Although Chavez was permitted to re-enter the United States in January 2025, ICE has now arrested him. According to DHS, he was found to be in the country illegally and removable as of June 27, 2025, following the discovery of multiple fraudulent statements on his application for Lawful Permanent Resident status.
His removal from the U.S. is currently being expedited.
DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented on the arrest, stating, “This Sinaloa Cartel affiliate with an active arrest warrant for trafficking guns, ammunition, and explosives was arrested by ICE.” McLaughlin expressed shock that the previous administration had identified him as a public safety threat but chose not to prioritize his removal, allowing him to leave and then return to the country.
McLaughlin added, “Under President [Donald] Trump, no one is above the law—including world-famous athletes. 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.”
Prior to his arrest, Chavez suffered a unanimous decision loss to Jake Paul the previous Saturday in Anaheim. He remains in custody while awaiting deportation to Mexico.
