Former world boxing champion Julio César Chávez Jr. has been deported from the United States and taken into custody in Mexico. Arrest records show he was transferred Monday from a border checkpoint to police custody in Sonora.
Arrest Warrant and Charges
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that Chávez Jr. faced an active arrest warrant tied to an investigation dating back to 2019. The warrant, issued in 2023, alleges links to the Sinaloa cartel and involvement in trafficking weapons and explosives.
Chávez Jr. was first arrested in Los Angeles in July, shortly after his loss to influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The Department of Homeland Security said he had entered the U.S. on a tourist visa and later applied for residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen, who was also accused of cartel connections.
Legal Troubles in the U.S.
In addition to immigration violations, Chávez Jr. was arrested in January 2024 for illegal possession of an assault rifle. His lawyer, Michael A. Goldstein, said he was granted mental health diversion and had complied fully, calling the cartel allegations “outrageous.”
Family Response
The Chávez family issued a statement expressing support, saying they trusted in his innocence and hoped both the U.S. and Mexican justice systems would uphold his rights.
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