Mexican boxer detained by ICE over alleged cartel links
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, was arrested on Wednesday by federal agents in Studio City, California, 10 miles north of Los Angeles.
Over the weekend he fought, and lost, against the former YouTuber Jake Paul at the Honda Centre in Anaheim, California.
Officials said that while Mr Chavez Jr had overstayed a tourist visa, Mexican authorities had an active arrest warrant against him for what it claimed was involvement in organised crime and trafficking firearms and ammunition.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Mr Chavez Jr, a former world title holder, was 'believed to be an affiliate of the Sinaloa cartel'.
Tricia McLaughlin, the DHS assistant secretary, said in a statement: 'Under President Trump, no one is above the law – including world-famous athletes.'
She added: 'Our message to any cartel affiliates in the US is clear: We will find you and you will face consequences. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.'
'Outrageous allegations'
The boxer's lawyer, Michael Goldstein, said the athlete had been picked up by a large number of federal agents while he was riding a scooter in front of his home.
'The current allegations are outrageous and simply another headline to terrorise the community,' said Mr Goldstein.
The US president was returned to the White House for his second term, having promised to launch a nationwide effort to deport millions of undocumented migrants. Large numbers have been rounded and many deported.
The actions have triggered controversy in many cities with large immigrant populations, where activists say most of the people being arrested are not hardened criminals but rather people with families, and who have worked for many years.
The arrest of Mr Chavez Jr came days after he lost in a fight on Saturday night to influencer Jake Paul. He had entered the country in August 2023 with a tourist visa that was valid until February 2024, according to the DHS. He filed an application for lawful permanent resident status in April 2024 based on his marriage to a US citizen.
The boxer's 62-year-old father had a career that stretched from 1980 to 2005. He was a world champion in three different weight divisions and remains a legendary figure in Mexico.
Officials said Mr Chavez Jr was being processed for 'expedited removal'.
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