Just days after his recent boxing match against Jake Paul, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. He is now scheduled for deportation from the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the news on Thursday, shortly after Chavez was taken into custody.
Authorities state that Chavez, a Mexican citizen, is subject to an active arrest warrant in Mexico for his alleged involvement in organized crime and the trafficking of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. A press release from DHS also indicated that the boxer is believed to be an affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel, which is designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
His arrest occurred on July 2nd in California.
DHS reported that Chavez had filed 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 prior relationship with the deceased son of infamous cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. According to DHS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services referred Chavez to ICE in December 2025, identifying him as an egregious public safety threat. However, during the previous administration under President Joe Biden, he was reportedly not considered an immigration enforcement priority.
Although Chavez was allowed to re-enter the United States in January 2025, ICE has now apprehended him. This action follows findings of multiple fraudulent statements on his application to become a Lawful Permanent Resident, leading to a determination on June 27, 2025, that he is in the country illegally and subject to removal.
His removal process 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.”
She also criticized the previous administration, stating, “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.”
McLaughlin also delivered a message from the current administration: “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 Paul this past Saturday in Anaheim. He remains in custody pending his deportation to Mexico.
