Julio César Chávez Jr. Deported to Mexico After ICE Arrest Over Green Card Fraud

By: Emerald Green | Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

World-famous boxer Julio César Chávez Jr., the son of legendary Mexican champion Julio César Chávez Sr., has been deported to Mexico and jailed following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Los Angeles last month.

Federal officials allege that Chávez Jr., 39, was living in the United States illegally and provided false information on a green card application in an attempt to obtain lawful permanent residency. After a review, the Department of Homeland Security ordered his removal, leading to his deportation on August 19.

ICE Arrest in Los Angeles

- Advertisement -

Chávez Jr. was detained by ICE agents in Los Angeles in early July, just weeks after a high-profile fight in California. Authorities said his application for permanent residency contained multiple fraudulent statements, which, combined with his visa overstay, made him subject to immediate removal. The case highlights the risks high-profile athletes and celebrities face when immigration records come under scrutiny, particularly when past legal issues complicate their applications.

Criminal Charges in Mexico

Upon arrival in Mexico, Chávez Jr. was transferred to a detention facility in Sonora, where prosecutors confirmed he faces longstanding criminal charges. Authorities allege he has ties to organized crime, as well as involvement in arms and drug trafficking, accusations stemming from a 2023 arrest warrant. If convicted, Chávez Jr. could face up to 20 years in prison, marking a dramatic fall for the one-time world champion.

Prior Legal Troubles in the U.S.

This latest development adds to Chávez Jr.’s troubled history in the United States:

• In January 2024, he was arrested in Los Angeles for possession of unregistered “ghost rifles.”
  • In 2012, he was convicted of DUI and sentenced to jail time and probation.
  • His boxing career was suspended after a failed drug test, which also led to heavy fines.

Family and Legal Defense

Chávez Jr.’s father, widely regarded as one of Mexico’s greatest fighters, has defended his son, insisting he is innocent of cartel-related allegations. “My son may have his problems, but he is not a criminal,” Chávez Sr. told reporters. His defense team has stated that they intend to fight the charges in Mexico while exploring potential appeals of his deportation order.

Outlook for the Former Champion

Chávez Jr.’s deportation from the U.S. and jailing in Mexico signify a major turning point in both his personal life and professional career. Once celebrated as the heir to his father’s boxing legacy, the former WBC middleweight titleholder now faces a future defined more by courtrooms than boxing rings.

  #AthleteArrest, #BoxingChampion, #BoxingLegacy, #BoxingNews, #BoxingWorld, #BreakingNews, #CourtroomDrama, #criminalcharges, #ICEArrest, #ImmigrationLaw, #ImmigrationNews, #JulioCesarChavez, #JulioCesarChavezJr, #LegalTroubles, #LosAngeles, #OrganizedCrime, #SportsAndLaw, #sportsnews, Deportation, Mexico