Former boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was arrested by U.S. immigration authorities shortly after his recent fight against Jake Paul. He is now facing deportation from the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the arrest on Thursday.
Chavez, a Mexican national, is wanted in Mexico under an active arrest warrant related to organized crime and trafficking firearms, ammunition, and explosives. DHS stated in a press release that they believe the boxer is linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, which is designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
His arrest took place on July 2 in California.
According to DHS, Chavez applied for permanent residency in April 2024, citing his marriage to a U.S. citizen. This spouse, DHS alleges, has ties to the Sinaloa Cartel through a previous relationship with the deceased son of notorious leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. Despite U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services referring Chavez to ICE as an “egregious public safety threat” in December 2025, DHS claims the previous administration, under President Joe Biden, did not prioritize his case for immigration enforcement.
Although Chavez was permitted to re-enter the U.S. in January 2025, ICE subsequently arrested him. Authorities determined on June 27, 2025, that he was illegally present and subject to removal due to making multiple fraudulent statements on his permanent residency application.
His removal 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 criticized the previous administration, saying it was “shocking” they flagged him as a threat but “chose to not prioritize his removal and let him leave and COME BACK into our country.” McLaughlin added that “Under President [Donald] Trump, no one is above the law—including world-famous athletes,” and sent a message to cartel affiliates: “We will find you and you will face consequences. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.”
The arrest followed Chavez`s unanimous decision loss to Jake Paul in Anaheim just days earlier, this past Saturday. He is being held in custody as he awaits deportation to Mexico.
Marcus Blakely 
Wesley Dunham