After weeks of speculation about the whereabouts of former boxing champion Julio César Chávez Jr., his father, the legendary Julio César Chávez, confirmed this week that he has spoken directly with his son, who is currently being held in ICE custody at a detention center in Texas.
This is the first official confirmation from the family following Chávez Jr.'s arrest by U.S. immigration authorities on July 2 in Studio City, California, for allegedly overstaying his visa and submitting false information on a permanent residency application.
"I've spoken to my son, and he's in shock," said Chávez Sr. during an interview with Mexican press. "He told me, 'Dad, how can they accuse me of all this?'"
"I'm calm because my son is innocent," Chávez added. "Everything is going to be resolved. The authorities are doing their job, but my son is not a criminal. He doesn't traffic weapons. He doesn't sell drugs. It's all lies, and it will be proven with facts."
Why Was Julio César Chávez Jr. Arrested?
Chávez Jr., 39, was detained after reportedly overstaying his U.S. visa and allegedly making false statements on a green card application filed in 2024. U.S. immigration agents classified him as a public safety risk, citing previous legal troubles, including a 2024 arrest in Los Angeles for illegal possession of a ghost gun.
Complicating matters further, Mexico's Attorney General issued an arrest warrant in 2023 against Chávez Jr. for alleged involvement in arms trafficking and organized crime. Mexican media have linked him to affiliates of the Sinaloa Cartel, though no formal charges have been brought in the U.S. relating to these allegations.
Until now, neither the family nor U.S. officials had publicly confirmed the exact location of Chávez Jr. following his arrest. The silence sparked concerns among fans and the press about whether he was being held in secret or moved to an unknown facility.
Last week, Chávez Jr.'s attorney, Michael Goldstein, clarified that the boxer is being held in Texas under ICE custody while he undergoes an expedited removal process, also known as fast-track deportation.
According to legal sources, Chávez Jr. is expected to be deported in the coming weeks to face judicial proceedings in Mexico. The Department of Homeland Security has already initiated procedures under Title 8, which permits removal without a court hearing for visa violations.
The case has drawn global attention not only because of the high-profile family name but also due to the timing. Chávez Jr. was arrested just days after losing a publicized bout against Jake Paul, fueling rumors that authorities waited until the fight was over to detain him.
A Father's Support
Julio César Chávez Sr. has long defended his son through multiple controversies, including past drug use, erratic behavior, and stalled comebacks. But this latest legal saga marks a turning point.
"All I can say is everything will be fine. My son is going through a hard time, but he's strong, and he knows the truth will come out," said Chávez Sr.
As the expedited deportation process continues, Chávez Jr. remains in detention. Whether he will face prosecution in Mexico remains uncertain—but his father has made it clear: he's not backing down.
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