Days after his boxing match against Jake Paul, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. found himself the subject of an ICE arrest.
The famed North American boxer has been slowing down his activity in the ring as he navigates through the tail end of his career in the sport. The 39-year-old has competed just twice in four years, beating Uriah Hall in July 2024 before returning a year later and losing to the aforementioned Jake Paul.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has competed in the US for large parts of his outings over the years, earning a name for himself in the ring with a stellar 54-7 record. Despite his unsuccessful return, his fight against Paul could be the final time we ever get to witness him perform in the States.
Less than a week after his defeat against Jake Paul, Chavez Jr. has been taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
The reason for the arrest was due to the boxer overstaying his tourist visa, which expired five months ago.
“On July 2, ICE arrested Mexican boxer and criminal illegal alien Julio Cesar Chavez Jr,” Homeland Security proudly announced in a statement on social media.
“He is now being processed for expedited removal from the United States. This Sinaloa Cartel affiliate has an active arrest warrant in Mexico for his involvement in organized crime and trafficking firearms, ammunitions, and explosives.”
Related: Jake Paul defeats Julio Cesar Chávez Jr. in one-sided decision
The Homeland Security statement revealed its plan to track down and punish immigrants, no matter their celebrity status.
“Under President Trump, NO ONE is above the law—including world-famous athletes.”
“Our message to any cartel affiliates in the U.S. is clear: We will find you and you will face consequences. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.”
The social media post accompanies a picture of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., presumably shortly after his arrest.
On July 2, ICE arrested Mexican boxer and criminal illegal alien Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.He is now being processed for expedited removal from the United States. This Sinaloa Cartel affiliate has an active arrest warrant in Mexico for his involvement in organized crime and… pic.twitter.com/c4QeRVpCEr
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 3, 2025
