Boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. has been deported from the United States to Mexico, where he faces a complex legal battle involving accusations of cartel ties and illegal trafficking. His deportation on August 19, 2025, followed an arrest in the U.S. on July 2 or 3 for overstaying his visa and providing false information on a green card application. The arrest occurred just days after a high-profile boxing match against Jake Paul in Los Angeles.

Upon his arrival in Mexico, Chávez Jr., 39, was immediately transferred to a prison outside Hermosillo, in the northern state of Sonora, specifically the Federal Social Reintegration Center. Mexican authorities had an active warrant for his arrest since 2023, alleging his involvement in arms and drug trafficking, and direct ties to the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the deportation, stating that she had previously hoped the boxer would be sent to Mexico to face his charges, noting he had largely remained in the U.S. prior to his apprehension.

The investigation into Chávez Jr.'s alleged criminal activities began in 2019, initiated by Mexican prosecutors following a complaint filed by U.S. authorities concerning organized crime, human trafficking, arms trafficking, and drug trafficking by the Sinaloa Cartel. This broader investigation has also implicated 13 other individuals, including Ovidio Guzman Lopez, the son of convicted drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzman, along with various collaborators and accomplices of the criminal organization.

In a significant development, a Mexican judge in Hermosillo ruled on Saturday, August 23, 2025, that Chávez Jr. would indeed stand trial for the accusations of cartel ties but would not have to remain in custody while awaiting the proceedings. Consequently, he was released from prison on Sunday, August 24, 2025. However, strict conditions were imposed, including a prohibition from leaving Mexico and a three-month period for further investigation into his case. Chávez Jr.'s lawyer, Ruben Fernando Benítez Alvarez, has vehemently denied the allegations, characterizing them as "speculation" and "urban legends."

Chávez Jr.'s life and career have often been overshadowed by his father's legendary boxing status and controversies. The iconic Julio César Chávez Sr. was known to associate with drug dealers, even claiming friendship with drug lord Amado Carrillo Fuentes. The younger Chávez has grappled with addiction throughout much of his boxing career, leading to failed drug tests, suspensions, and public criticism for a perceived lack of dedication. Despite these struggles, he achieved notable success, winning the WBC middleweight title in 2011 and defending it three times, even sharing the ring with generational greats like Canelo Álvarez and Sergio Martinez, though losing to both.

His personal life has also been marked by legal troubles. In 2012, he was convicted of drunken driving in Los Angeles, resulting in a 13-day jail sentence. More recently, in January 2024, he was arrested on gun charges for allegedly possessing two AR-style ghost rifles. He was subsequently freed on a $50,000 bond, contingent on his attendance at a residential drug treatment facility, with the case still pending and Chávez Jr. regularly reporting his progress.