Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was arrested by federal agents on Wednesday in Studio City, DHS announced on X.
Chavez, 39, is the son of legendary boxing icon Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. DHS officials say Chavez is facing expedited removal proceedings following a long trail of legal and immigration issues that include a DUI conviction in 2012 and a federal weapons conviction in 2024.
Chavez recently fought Jake Paul in at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
According to DHS, Chavez entered the U.S. in August 2023 on a B2 tourist visa and applied for lawful permanent residency in April 2024 based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen.
However, authorities allege that his application contained fraudulent information and that his spouse had prior connections to the Sinaloa Cartel through a previous relationship. DHS officials say Chavez has ties to the group and is wanted in Mexico for crimes related to weapons trafficking and organized criminal activity.
Federal agents deemed Chavez deportable on June 27.
“This Sinaloa Cartel affiliate with an active arrest warrant for trafficking guns, ammunition, and explosives was arrested by ICE,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. “It is shocking that the previous administration flagged this individual as a public safety threat but chose not to prioritize his removal, allowing him to leave and return to our country.
“Under President Trump, no one is above the law — including world-famous athletes. Our message to any cartel affiliates in the United States is clear: We will find you, and you will face consequences. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.”
The arrest comes as the Trump administration continues its crackdown on immigration.