US authorities have apprehended renowned Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on immigration charges, also linking him to the Sinaloa cartel. After their tourist visas expired, the Biden administration allowed boxers to stay in the US.
Chavez recently participated in a controversial fight in California against YouTuber Jake Paul. Following this event, Mexican officials disclosed that Chavez is also wanted in Mexico for weapons-related offenses.
On Thursday, the US Department of Homeland Security announced Chavez Jr.’s arrest in Studio City, California, carried out by agents from immigration and customs enforcement. The DHS stated that Chavez, a Mexican national, has a criminal record in the US that includes arms charges.
Last weekend, Chavez featured in a pay-per-view event where he faced Jake Paul in a match marred by accusations of rigging.
The DHS noted that Chavez initially entered the US on a B2 tourist visa that expired in February 2024. He sought permanent residency in April 2024 through his wife, an American citizen. Federal officials indicated that his wife was previously married to the late son of cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, who had been incarcerated.
At the time of his residency application, US officials denied the request. Nonetheless, Chavez was paroled into the US at San Isidro’s port of entry during the Biden administration. Later, authorities determined that Chavez had provided false information in his residency application and had been residing in the country unlawfully.
Shortly after the DHS’s announcement, the Mexican Attorney General’s Office revealed that Chavez Jr. has outstanding arrest warrants in Mexico dating back to 2023 for organized crime and arms trafficking.
DHS detailed that the boxer’s criminal history includes:
- On January 22, 2012, the California Highway Patrol arrested Chavez for driving without a valid license and DUI. He was found guilty in June 2012 and received a 13-day prison sentence along with 36 months of probation.
- On January 14, 2023, a district judge issued a warrant for Chavez for organized crimes related to weapons trafficking, highlighting the illegal import of arms and explosives.
- On January 7, 2024, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested Chavez for illegal possession of a dangerous weapon and for manufacturing or importing a short-barreled rifle, for which he was convicted.
