Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. got arrested in the United States, and his family's not happy about it. The former boxing champ was picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) just days after losing an exhibition match to Jake Paul in California.
ICE says they nabbed Chavez Jr. because he's a threat to public safety. They're moving to deport him quickly. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims he's got ties to the Sinaloa Cartel and there's an active arrest warrant for him in Mexico from March 2023.
DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said:
"This Sinaloa Cartel affiliate, with an active arrest warrant, was apprehended in Studio City, California"
Turns out, Chavez Jr. came to the U.S. on an expired tourist visa. He tried to get permanent residency by marrying a U.S. citizen, but that didn't work out. His wife's family has connections to Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, which didn't help his case. In December 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services labeled him a serious threat.
Julio Cesar Chavez, the boxing legend and Chavez Jr.'s dad, shared a statement on social media. The family's standing by Junior:
"We fully trust in his innocence and in his human quality"
They're asking everyone to respect the legal process and not jump to conclusions. Chavez Sr. added:
"Julio is, above all, a son, a father and a human being who has faced multiple challenges in his personal and professional life"
"We are dismayed, but firm in our faith that everything will be clarified according to law and truth"
Chavez Jr.'s been in the spotlight since he first laced up gloves. Being the son of Mexico's most celebrated champ put a lot of pressure on him. He's had some wins in the ring, but also struggled with addiction, failed drug tests, and stirred up controversy with his behavior.
His dad's been open about trying to help him through these tough times. This arrest could be a big turning point for Chavez Jr. What happens next depends on how prosecutors in both countries work together.
The family says they won't be making any more statements until there's progress in the legal case.
