Mexico Seeks Deportation of Boxing Star Julio César Chávez Jr.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed hopes on Friday that the famed boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. will be deported from the United States to Mexico to face serious criminal allegations. Chávez Jr., who was detained by U.S. immigration authorities in California, stands accused of involvement in organized crime and arms trafficking.
The detention occurred just days after Chávez Jr., son of legendary Mexican boxing icon Julio César Chávez Sr., fought a widely publicized bout against former YouTuber Jake Paul. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disclosed the arrest, referencing a Mexican warrant and ties to the notorious Sinaloa Cartel.
Background on Charges and Arrest Warrant
President Sheinbaum cited Mexico’s attorney general, explaining that investigations into Chávez Jr. began in 2019, with an arrest warrant issued in March 2023. She acknowledged that efforts to detain Chávez had been complicated due to his prolonged residence in the U.S.
“We now hope he can be deported and serve his sentence in Mexico,” Sheinbaum stated.
The DHS confirmed the arrest warrant originated from Mexican authorities and added that Chávez Jr. was believed to be affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel, a powerful criminal network linked to fentanyl trafficking.
Legal and Personal Connections
The boxer entered the United States legally in 2023 on a B2 tourist visa, which expired in 2024. Subsequently, he applied for permanent residency based on marriage to a U.S. citizen. However, U.S. officials allege his wife has connections to the Sinaloa Cartel through a previous relationship with the son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the infamous cartel leader.
Following multiple purportedly false statements on his residency application, Chávez Jr. was declared unlawfully present and subject to removal as of June 27, 2025.
Family Ties to the Cartel
Chávez Jr.’s wife was previously married to Edgar Guzmán López, El Chapo’s son, who died in a 2008 shootout. Post El Chapo’s 2015 prison escape and return, authorities froze and later unfroze her bank accounts — suspecting potential cartel involvement. Despite this, she has built a sizeable social media following.
Meanwhile, Chávez Jr. has publicly acknowledged friendships with other Guzmán family members, including Ovidio Guzmán López, who faces federal drug charges in the U.S.
Controversy and Defense
A lawyer representing Chávez Jr. condemned the allegations as “outrageous” and intended to create panic within the community. The lawyer emphasized that Chávez Jr. poses no public threat and is complying with all legal proceedings.
He disputed claims related to recent weapons charges, stating these are expected to be dismissed due to a mental health diversion program which handles cases involving mental illness outside of traditional court processes.
Context of Increased Enforcement Against Cartels
Chávez Jr.’s arrest comes as U.S. authorities intensify their crackdown on Mexican cartels, an effort heightened during the current administration. Earlier this year, Mexico agreed to allow several alleged cartel leaders to face trial in the United States, marking a significant policy shift.
Family’s Response
The boxer’s family issued a statement affirming their trust in his innocence and emphasizing the importance of due process, urging the public to withhold judgment until legal proceedings conclude.
Key facts:
- Julio César Chávez Jr. is accused of organized crime and arms trafficking.
- He was detained in California after a high-profile boxing match.
- Mexican authorities issued an arrest warrant in March 2023 following a 2019 investigation.
- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security alleges ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.
- His residency request was denied due to alleged fraudulent statements.
- Family insists on his innocence and demands fair legal treatment.
