Julio César Chávez Jr. Arrested in California — Accused of Cartel Ties and Set for Deportation

Julio César Chávez Jr. just went from throwing punches in the ring to facing serious legal heat outside of it.

The former middleweight boxing champ was arrested in Studio City, California, by ICE agents on July 2 — just days after squaring up with Jake Paul in a high-profile match in Anaheim. But this isn’t just a visa issue. Federal officials say Chávez Jr. is facing serious accusations that link him to organized crime activity in Mexico.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Chávez entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in August 2023, but it expired back in February 2024. ICE says he overstayed illegally and was living in the country without authorization.

But that’s just the beginning.

Officials confirmed that Chávez is wanted in Mexico on an active arrest warrant for alleged ties to organized crime. The charges include trafficking of firearms, ammo, and explosives — and investigators believe he’s affiliated with the infamous Sinaloa Cartel.
Chávez Jr., the son of legendary boxer Julio César Chávez Sr., has had a rocky road both in and out of the ring over the past decade. But this arrest marks a major escalation in his legal troubles.

Now, he’s facing deportation — and a potential criminal prosecution back in Mexico. With international authorities involved and cartel ties being investigated, the fight Chávez Jr. is about to face could be the toughest one of his life.