Renowned Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. has recently been apprehended for allegedly entering the United States illegally, and he is slated for deportation back to Mexico, according to the latest reports. This incident marks a significant turn in the life of the 39-year-old former middleweight champion, who recently fought against Jake Paul in a high-profile match.
The boxer faces serious allegations of involvement in organized crime, as stated by U.S. federal officials via the Associated Press. He was confronted by numerous federal agents while riding a scooter in front of his residence in Studio City, as confirmed by his attorney, Michael Goldstein.
Goldstein expressed his outrage, claiming, “The current allegations are outrageous and simply another headline to terrorize the community.” His statement highlights the impact of such accusations on both the boxer and the local community.
Keep reading to discover further developments…
As of Thursday morning (July 3), Goldstein noted that he was unaware of the specific location where the boxer was being held. However, he mentioned that they are scheduled to appear in court on Monday (July 7) concerning prior gun possession charges from 2024 and that they are expected to provide an update on his progress in a substance abuse program.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detained Chávez Jr. for overstaying a tourist visa that had expired in February 2024, after he entered the country in August 2023. This situation has raised several concerns regarding his legal status in the U.S.
Additionally, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services flagged ICE regarding Julio last year, labeling him as “an egregious public safety threat.” Despite this, he was permitted to return to the United States earlier this year, raising questions about the effectiveness of the immigration system.
Officials have revealed that there is an active arrest warrant for him in Mexico due to his alleged involvement in organized crime, specifically in trafficking firearms, ammunition, and explosives. He is believed to have connections with the Sinaloa Cartel, which adds a layer of complexity to his legal troubles.
Under the Trump administration, the boxer applied for a green card on April 2, 2024, based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen, Frida Muñoz. Notably, she is the former partner of Édgar Guzmán López, the late son of the notorious imprisoned Sinaloa cartel kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán.
However, the application was marred by multiple fraudulent statements, which officials claim contributed to his current legal predicament and subsequent arrest.
After grappling with drug addiction for many years, Julio sought rehabilitation in Sinaloa and asserted that he was sober in preparation for the fight against Jake Paul. The circumstances surrounding his battle with addiction and its influence on his boxing career are significant factors to consider in understanding his current situation. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
