Renowned Boxer Accused of Affiliation With Sinaloa Cartel
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Thursday that boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a Mexican boxer, has been marked for expedited removal from the United States due to alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.
DHS said that Chavez Jr. had entered the country with a valid B2 tourist visa in 2023 that expired in February 2024, and then applied for a Lawful Permanent Resident status based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen who is allegedly connected to the Sinaloa Cartel through a prior relationship with the now-deceased son of a cartel leader.
"Under President Trump, NO ONE is above the law—including world-famous athletes," DHS wrote in a post on X. "Our message to any cartel affiliates in the U.S. is clear: We will find you and you will face consequences. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over."
The Biden administration had determined he was not an enforcement priority despite U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services referring him to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as an "egregious public safety threat."
DHS has however determined that Chavez Jr. made "multiple fraudulent statements on his application," therefore leading to the conclusion that he had remained in the country illegally and therefore could be removed.
Chavez Jr. has fought 63 matches with 54 wins, seven losses, one draw, and one "no contest" result across several weight classes. He fought influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul on June 29, losing the fight in California.
This is a breaking news story. Updates will follow.
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