Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.’s unexpected arrest by U.S. immigration has sent shockwaves across the sports world, spotlighting immigration hurdles for international athletes.
At a Glance
- Famed Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., 39, has been arrested by ICE in Los Angeles for his alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.
- DHS has labeled him an “egregious public safety threat” and is seeking his expedited removal from the U.S.
- Chavez Jr. is also accused of overstaying his visa and lying on his green card application.
- He has an active arrest warrant in Mexico for alleged involvement in organized crime.
“No One Is Above the Law”
In a high-profile demonstration of its tough new immigration enforcement policies, the Trump administration has arrested famed Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. for his alleged “evolving ties” to the powerful Sinaloa Cartel. The 39-year-old former middleweight champion was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at his home in Studio City, Los Angeles, on Friday, July 4, 2025.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) delivered a blunt message following the arrest. “Under President Trump, no one is above the law—including world-famous athletes,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Our message to any cartel affiliates in the U.S. is clear: We will find you, and you will face consequences.”
An “Egregious Public Safety Threat”
DHS has designated Chavez Jr. as an “egregious public safety threat” and is seeking to have him deported from the country through an expedited removal process. The move comes as Chavez Jr. also faces an active arrest warrant in his native Mexico for alleged involvement in organized crime.
On July 2, ICE arrested Mexican boxer and criminal illegal alien Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
He is now being processed for expedited removal from the United States. This Sinaloa Cartel affiliate has an active arrest warrant in Mexico for his involvement in organized crime and… pic.twitter.com/c4QeRVpCEr
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 3, 2025
The boxer’s lawyer, Michael Goldstein, told the BBC, “This is the first we’ve ever heard of these outrageous allegations.”
A Tangled Web of Immigration Violations
Beyond the cartel allegations, DHS claims that Chavez Jr. has violated U.S. immigration law. He reportedly entered the country in August 2023 on a tourist visa, which he then overstayed.
He later applied for a green card through his marriage to a U.S. citizen, but officials allege he lied on the application by failing to disclose his criminal connections. As reported by ABC11, his wife is also alleged to have ties to the cartel.
The Chavez family has released a statement expressing their “full and unconditional support for Julio” and their faith in his innocence. However, he remains in federal custody as the government proceeds with its efforts to remove him from the country.
