Julio César Chávez Jr. Arrested for Visa Violations and Faces Deportation
Mexican boxing star Julio César Chávez Jr. was detained by U.S. authorities for overstaying his visa and allegedly providing false information on a green card application. The 39-year-old is set to be deported to Mexico, where he is wanted on charges related to organized crime, as confirmed by U.S. federal officials on Thursday.
This development follows Chávez’s recent defeat in a high-profile boxing match against social media influencer Jake Paul in Anaheim, California. The Department of Homeland Security had decided to arrest Chávez on June 27, just one day before the match, though the arrest was delayed until after the event.
Apprehension Details
Chávez was taken into custody by federal agents in the upscale Studio City neighborhood of Los Angeles, according to his attorney, Michael Goldstein. At the time of his arrest, Chávez was reportedly riding a scooter near his residence. Goldstein criticized the allegations, stating, “The current allegations are outrageous and simply another headline to terrorize the community.”
His detention comes amid heightened immigration enforcement actions across Southern California, leading to public protests and the deployment of federal troops. While Goldstein was uncertain about Chávez’s current detention location, he mentioned they were scheduled to appear in court on Monday regarding previous gun possession charges.
Chávez’s Legal Troubles
Chávez has faced multiple legal issues over the years, including a 2012 conviction for drunk driving in Los Angeles and a 2024 arrest on gun charges. He was released on bond with the stipulation that he attend a drug treatment program. The charges stem from possessing ghost rifles, and the case remains ongoing.
Chávez was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents due to overstaying a tourist visa that expired in February 2024. He also allegedly submitted false statements when applying for U.S. residency through his marriage to Frida Muñoz, a U.S. citizen with familial ties to the Sinaloa cartel.
U.S. authorities classify Chávez as an affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel, which is linked to widespread drug-related violence in Mexico. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services had flagged him as a “public safety threat,” though he was permitted entry into the U.S. without a visa in January under the current administration.
Reactions and Family Support
In Mexico, reactions to the arrest were mixed. Some view it as a politically motivated act by the U.S. government. Martín Sandoval Peñaloza, a Mexico City newspaper vendor, suggested it aimed to attract media attention. In contrast, local storekeeper Oscar Tienda attributed Chávez’s situation to his history of drug use.
Chávez’s family released a statement supporting him, expressing confidence in his innocence and urging authorities to proceed without external influence. “We firmly believe that the proper course is to allow the competent authorities to carry out their work without external pressure or speculation,” the statement read.
Boxing Career and Recent Match
Chávez’s boxing career has been overshadowed by his father’s legacy, Julio César Chávez, a renowned athlete in Mexico and a Hall of Fame boxer. Despite challenges, including battles with addiction, Chávez achieved notable success, including winning the WBC middleweight title in 2011.
Before his match with Jake Paul, Chávez had only fought once since 2021. Despite his legal and personal struggles, he appeared in good shape for the fight and claimed sobriety during preparation. Chávez and his team had been on edge due to the ongoing immigration arrests.
Chávez expressed concerns about the impact of the arrests, stating, “There are a lot of good people, and you’re giving the community an example of violence,” ahead of his fight. He also voiced his reluctance to be deported, given the recent events.
