Julio César Chávez Jr., a former WBC middleweight champion and son of Mexican boxing legend Julio César Chávez, has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement just days after losing a high-profile bout to Jake Paul.
Tied to the Sinaloa Cartel
According to ICE and DHS, the 39-year-old boxer overstayed his visa, entered illegally, and has been linked to the violent Sinaloa cartel — the same group led by El Chapo Guzmán’s family.
Authorities say Chávez was involved in trafficking guns, ammo, and explosives, and is now being processed for deportation back to Mexico, where he faces charges related to organized crime.
Arrested Outside His California Home
Chávez Jr. was arrested while riding an electric scooter in front of his Studio City home, according to his attorney Michael Goldstein, who called the arrest “outrageous” and claimed it was meant to “terrorize the community.”
But officials point the blame at Joe Biden’s DHS, who allowed Chávez back into the U.S. on Jan. 4, even though he posed an “egregious public safety threat.”
Lies, Drugs, and Visa Fraud
Chávez reportedly entered on a tourist visa in August 2023, which expired in February 2024. Despite that, he applied for a green card in April by marrying U.S. citizen Frida Muñoz, who was previously romantically linked to Édgar Guzmán López — the son of El Chapo.
Authorities allege false statements on Chávez’s green card application. Meanwhile, he was due in court for a separate firearms case and to provide updates on substance abuse treatment.
A Legacy of Failure
Once 46-0 and seen as Mexico’s next boxing icon, Chávez’s career nosedived after his first loss in 2012. Since then, he’s failed drug tests, missed weight, and appeared unfocused and unfit in numerous matches.
He recently tried a “comeback” campaign, shedding weight and claiming to be clean before losing to Jake Paul by unanimous decision last weekend.
Jake Paul Responds
After news broke of the ICE raid, Paul simply posted an American flag emoji — a quiet but clear nod to the arrest of his controversial opponent.
The victory was Paul’s 12th straight, pushing him to No. 14 in the WBA cruiserweight rankings and edging him closer to a title shot.
