Julio César Chávez Jr. Arrested by U.S. Immigration Officials, Faces Deportation
LOS ANGELES — Famed Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. has been arrested by U.S. immigration authorities just days after his high-profile bout with Jake Paul. Officials say he overstayed his visa and provided false information on a green card application. He is now facing deportation to Mexico, where he’s also wanted on serious criminal charges.
Who Is Julio César Chávez Jr.?
Chávez Jr., 39, is a former WBC middleweight champion and the son of boxing legend Julio César Chávez Sr., one of the most revered athletes in Mexican sports history.
Despite a turbulent career plagued by drug addiction, failed drug tests, and missed weigh-ins, Chávez Jr. reached the sport’s pinnacle when he captured the middleweight title in 2011. He successfully defended the belt three times and shared the ring with top-tier fighters like Canelo Álvarez and Sergio Martínez, though he lost both matches.
Chávez’s legal troubles in the U.S. go back more than a decade. In 2012, he was convicted of driving under the influence in Los Angeles and served 13 days in jail. More recently, in January 2024, he was arrested for possessing two ghost guns—untraceable AR-style rifles. He was later released on a $50,000 bond and entered a residential drug treatment program, with that case still pending.
Where and How Was He Arrested?
Chávez was taken into custody on Wednesday in front of his Studio City home, a high-end neighborhood near Hollywood. According to his attorney, Michael Goldstein, federal agents detained Chávez while he was riding a scooter. The street was reportedly blocked off, and the arrest occurred without prior notice to his family.
His arrest came just days after his much-publicized loss to Jake Paul in Anaheim. Interestingly, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had approved the arrest on June 27, one day before the fight—but waited several days to act.
What Are the Charges?
Federal officials allege that Chávez Jr. entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in August 2023, which expired in February 2024. In April, he applied for permanent residency through marriage to Frida Muñoz, a U.S. citizen with familial ties to Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán—the infamous drug kingpin currently serving a life sentence in the U.S.
According to DHS, Chávez made multiple fraudulent claims on his green card application. Meanwhile, Mexican authorities confirmed an active arrest warrant for Chávez linked to an organized crime and arms trafficking investigation. On Thursday, Mexico officially initiated extradition proceedings.
What Happens Next?
Chávez is being processed for expedited removal from the U.S., though his attorney says he is unsure of his client’s current detention location.
In a public statement, Chávez’s family expressed support and confidence in his innocence, urging that the legal process proceed without speculation or pressure.
“We firmly believe that the proper course is to allow the competent authorities to carry out their work without external pressure or speculation,” the family said.
Final Thoughts
The arrest of Julio César Chávez Jr. adds yet another dramatic chapter to the boxer’s complicated career. As he faces legal action on both sides of the border, the coming weeks will be critical in determining his future—not just in boxing, but in life.
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