California, July 4 (V7N) - Former world boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to an official statement released Thursday by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The 39-year-old Mexican national is now undergoing expedited removal proceedings from the United States.
 
According to DHS, Chavez Jr. is wanted in Mexico on an active arrest warrant related to alleged involvement in organized crime. Authorities accuse him of trafficking firearms, ammunition, and explosives — serious offenses that carry heavy legal consequences under Mexican law. U.S. immigration officials detained him based on coordination with Mexican law enforcement agencies.
 
Chavez’s arrest comes just four days after his high-profile return to the ring, where he faced off against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Chavez lost the 10-round bout by unanimous decision, drawing criticism for his performance and fueling speculation about the future of his boxing career.
 
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is the son of the legendary Mexican boxing icon Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the sport's history. Despite early promise and a world middleweight title to his name, Chavez Jr.’s career has been marred by controversies, weight issues, and suspensions related to drug use and testing violations.
 
In recent months, Chavez had been vocal about immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles, particularly criticizing what he described as unfair treatment of Latino immigrants. His public statements took on added significance in light of Thursday’s arrest, sparking debate on social media about whether he was being targeted due to his political outspokenness or simply held accountable for his alleged criminal ties.
 
DHS has not specified when Chavez Jr. will be deported, but sources within the agency have indicated that Mexican authorities are prepared to receive him and pursue prosecution based on the outstanding warrant.
 
As of now, Chavez’s legal team has not issued a public response, and it remains unclear whether he will seek legal avenues to contest his removal or face trial in Mexico.
 
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