Julio César Chávez Jr. Detained by ICE Over Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Ties and Weapons Trafficking
*July 3, 2025 — Los Angeles, CA*
Former world middleweight boxing champion Julio César Chávez Jr. was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Studio City, California, on July 2, 2025, days after his boxing match against Jake Paul. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Chávez, a 39-year-old Mexican citizen, faces expedited deportation to Mexico, where he is wanted for alleged involvement in organized crime, including firearm and ammunition trafficking linked to the Sinaloa Cartel.
A Champion’s Downfall
Julio César Chávez Jr., son of boxing legend Julio César Chávez Sr., once held the WBC middleweight title in 2011. His career, however, has been overshadowed by personal struggles, including substance abuse and inconsistent performances. His recent unanimous decision loss to Jake Paul on June 28, 2025, at the Honda Center in Anaheim was his second fight since 2021, underscoring a career in decline.
The charges against Chávez mark a dramatic escalation. According to DHS, Mexican authorities issued an arrest warrant in March 2023 for organized crime and weapons trafficking, specifically the illegal importation and production of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. The Mexican Attorney General’s Office is coordinating extradition.
Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Connection
DHS identified Chávez as an affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel, a major drug trafficking organization notorious for fentanyl smuggling and violence. Designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. government, the cartel’s operations have fueled cross-border crime. Authorities allege Chávez facilitated the movement of weapons and ammunition, though specific details remain limited.
Legal and Personal Ramifications**
Chávez’s detention follows a 2024 arrest in Los Angeles for illegal firearm possession, where he pleaded no contest and entered a residential treatment program. His latest legal troubles have stunned the boxing community and his family. Chávez Sr. publicly expressed support for his son, urging fans to reserve judgment until more facts emerge.
Chávez is currently held at an ICE facility in California pending deportation proceedings. Mexican authorities have not disclosed a timeline for his transfer or potential trial.
A Tarnished Legacy
The allegations against Chávez Jr. cast a shadow over his family’s storied boxing legacy. As legal proceedings unfold, the former champion faces an uncertain future, with his once-promising career now overshadowed by serious criminal accusations.
*Sources: Department of Homeland Security press release, Mexican Attorney General’s Office statement, Los Angeles County court records, Associated Press, ESPN Deportes.*