Homeland Security officials on Thursday said agents arrested Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in Los Angeles after accusing the former middleweight champion of links to the Sinaloa cartel. Here’s what you need to know about the boxer cartel arrest:
The ICE arrest
Former middleweight champion detained for immigration violations:
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Chavez, 39, on Wednesday
- Arrest occurred near his residence in Studio City
- Charged with overstaying his visa and lying on green card application
- Authorities seeking expedited removal for “egregious public safety threat”
The cartel connection
Sinaloa ties traced through boxer’s American wife:
- Links to powerful Mexican crime syndicate through wife Frida Munoz
- Munoz was married to now-dead son of former Sinaloa cartel kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman
- Former couple share a daughter together
- Gang largely blamed for trafficking fentanyl into U.S.
The DHS statement
Officials emphasize no immunity for cartel affiliates:
- “Under President Trump, no one is above the law — including world-famous athletes”
- DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin made statement
- “Our message to any cartel affiliates in the U.S. is clear: We will find you”
- “The days of unchecked cartel violence are over”
The Mexican extradition
Mexico begins process to bring boxer home:
- Mexican authorities started extradition process Thursday
- Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office has outstanding arrest warrant from March 2023
- Warrant connected to organized crime investigation revolving around weapons trafficking
- Separate legal proceedings in Mexico for boxer
The recent fight
Chavez lost high-profile bout last weekend:
- Lost bout versus influencer Jake Paul last weekend
- Fight took place in Anaheim, California
- Occurred just days before ICE arrest
- Boxing career continues despite legal troubles
The visa timeline
Immigration violations span multiple years:
- Chavez entered country in August 2023 on tourist visa
- Tourist visa lasted until February 2024
- Applied to become lawful permanent resident two months later
- Application based on marriage to Munoz
The fraudulent statements
Officials cite lies on immigration forms:
- DHS said he made “multiple fraudulent statements” on forms
- Applied for permanent residency in April 2024
- Immigration authorities deemed him public safety threat in December
- Removal wasn’t prioritized until June 27
The criminal history
Boxer has prior convictions in California:
- Prior convictions for drunk driving in 2012
- Illegal gun charges in 2024
- California judge issued arrest warrant in 2023
- Warrant for gun trafficking for organized crime purposes
The weapons trafficking allegations
McLaughlin details specific criminal accusations:
- “This Sinaloa cartel affiliate with an active arrest warrant for trafficking guns, ammunition and explosives”
- California warrant from 2023 on gun trafficking allegations
- Organized crime purposes cited in warrant
- Multiple weapons-related charges pending
The Biden administration criticism
DHS criticizes previous administration’s handling:
- “Shocking the previous administration flagged this criminal illegal alien as a public safety threat”
- Previous administration “chose to not prioritize his removal”
- Allowed him to “leave and come back into our country”
- McLaughlin said in statement about enforcement priorities
The boxing legacy
Family has legendary status in Mexican boxing:
- Father Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. is legendary figure in Mexican culture
- Sr. won multiple world titles during 25-year career
- Younger Chavez had more modest success
- Won World Boxing Council middleweight title in 2011
The family response
Chavez family issues statement supporting son:
- Family published statement on Chavez Sr.’s Instagram page
- “In these difficult times, we reiterate our full and unconditional support for Julio”
- “We fully trust in his innocence and his human qualities”
- Family places hope in “justice institutions in both Mexico and the U.S.”
Read more:
• ICE agents arrest Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. for alleged cartel ties
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