Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was arrested Wednesday by a federal agent in Studio City in connection with an aggressive warrant and was processed for removal from the United States, the Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday.
The 39-year-old former WBC Middleweight World Champion was detained by immigration and customs enforcement agencies in the San Fernando Valley community. DHS said the arrests stem from Mexico’s aggressive warrants.
“Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain prominent Mexican boxer and criminally illegal alien Giulio Cesar Chavez Jr., and process him for quick removal from the United States,” the agency said. “Chavez is a Mexican citizen and has an aggressive arrest warrant in Mexico for his involvement in organized crime and human trafficking firearms, ammunition and explosives.
Chavez Jr. won the middleweight title in June 2011, defending the title three times. He was defeated Saturday at the Honda Center in Anaheim by influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a 10-round cruiserweight fight.
Chavez Jr., the son of a former multi-division boxing champion, was born in Sinaloa, Mexico. He embarked on a professional boxing career as a teenager and made his debut in September 2002.
The detention comes after weeks of federal immigration enforcement efforts in the Los Angeles area after President Trump became a central part of his campaign.
The department said Chavez entered the country in August 2023 with a valid B2 tourist visa until 2024. He filed an application for a legal permanent residence last year based on his marriage to a US citizen.
“This Sinaloa Cartel affiliate had an aggressive arrest warrant for trafficking guns, ammunition and explosives. He was arrested on ice. The previous administration flagged illegal foreigners of this crime as a threat to public safety, but chose to return to the country with his removal prioritization.” “Under President Trump, no one, including world-renowned athletes, exceeds the law. Our message to the US cartel affiliates is clear. We will find you and face the consequences.
The administration highlights arrests that include undocumented individuals convicted of violent crimes. Those caught up in the nationwide attacks include asylum seekers, those who have continued visas and immigrants waiting for a day in immigration courts.
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