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Famed Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., 39, has been arrested by US immigration agents and is slated for deportation to Mexico, where he is said to have "an active arrest warrant for his involvement in organized crime," US officials announced on Thursday. The arrest follows a recent defeat by influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul during a match in California less than a week prior.
U.S. authorities have alleged that Chavez Jr. has connections to the notorious Sinaloa drug cartel, a claim that his lawyer has adamantly denied. "Under President Trump, no one is above the law - including world-famous athletes," a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated after his detention. Chavez Jr. was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Studio City, Los Angeles, with the Department now processing him for "expedited removal."
The DHS described Chavez Jr. as a "prominent Mexican boxer and criminal illegal alien," citing reasons for deportation related to an active arrest warrant in Mexico for organized crime and arms trafficking. The agency highlighted a connection between Chavez Jr.'s application for US permanent residency and his marriage to a US citizen, who is reportedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel through a past relationship with Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's late son.
The boxer has a history of legal issues, including numerous arrests in the US, many concerning weapon-related charges. Earlier this year, he was convicted for illegal possession of an assault weapon, while in 2023, a local judge issued an arrest warrant for alleged arms trafficking on behalf of a criminal organization. His previous arrest record includes a 2012 incident for driving under the influence without a license. He is also accused of misrepresenting facts to immigration authorities and overstaying a tourist visa which expired in February.
In defending Chavez Jr., attorney Michael Goldstein decried the arrest as a "headline to terrorize the Latin community." The allegations regarding cartel involvement came to light only recently, prompting surprise from his legal team. Just weeks before his bout with Paul, Chavez Jr. commented on the increase of immigration raids in Los Angeles and expressed concerns for the immigrant community, revealing his own fears over deportation.
Reflecting on his experiences and the political climate, Chavez Jr. criticized the Trump administration's stance on immigration, contemplating the harsh realities faced by many like him seeking safety and opportunity in the United States.
As Chavez Jr.'s legal battles unfold, the intersection of sports, immigration, and crime continues to spark significant discussion in both the US and Mexico.
Famed Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., 39, has been arrested by US immigration agents and is slated for deportation to Mexico, where he is said to have "an active arrest warrant for his involvement in organized crime," US officials announced on Thursday. The arrest follows a recent defeat by influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul during a match in California less than a week prior.
U.S. authorities have alleged that Chavez Jr. has connections to the notorious Sinaloa drug cartel, a claim that his lawyer has adamantly denied. "Under President Trump, no one is above the law - including world-famous athletes," a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated after his detention. Chavez Jr. was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Studio City, Los Angeles, with the Department now processing him for "expedited removal."
The DHS described Chavez Jr. as a "prominent Mexican boxer and criminal illegal alien," citing reasons for deportation related to an active arrest warrant in Mexico for organized crime and arms trafficking. The agency highlighted a connection between Chavez Jr.'s application for US permanent residency and his marriage to a US citizen, who is reportedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel through a past relationship with Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's late son.
The boxer has a history of legal issues, including numerous arrests in the US, many concerning weapon-related charges. Earlier this year, he was convicted for illegal possession of an assault weapon, while in 2023, a local judge issued an arrest warrant for alleged arms trafficking on behalf of a criminal organization. His previous arrest record includes a 2012 incident for driving under the influence without a license. He is also accused of misrepresenting facts to immigration authorities and overstaying a tourist visa which expired in February.
In defending Chavez Jr., attorney Michael Goldstein decried the arrest as a "headline to terrorize the Latin community." The allegations regarding cartel involvement came to light only recently, prompting surprise from his legal team. Just weeks before his bout with Paul, Chavez Jr. commented on the increase of immigration raids in Los Angeles and expressed concerns for the immigrant community, revealing his own fears over deportation.
Reflecting on his experiences and the political climate, Chavez Jr. criticized the Trump administration's stance on immigration, contemplating the harsh realities faced by many like him seeking safety and opportunity in the United States.
As Chavez Jr.'s legal battles unfold, the intersection of sports, immigration, and crime continues to spark significant discussion in both the US and Mexico.
