Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. disappeared from public view three weeks ago, after being detained by U.S. immigration authorities and linked by prosecutors to criminal organizations in his country. Many thought he was in hiding. Others feared for his safety. However, his lawyer dispelled any doubts about his whereabouts.
In an interview on entertainment commentator Javier Ceriani's YouTube channel, Chávez Jr.'s attorney, Michael Goldstein, clarified his client's whereabouts.
"My understanding is that he remains in ICE custody in Texas," the lawyer said, referring to the law enforcement branch of the immigration department.
When asked how the son of legendary boxer Julio César Chávez is doing, Goldstein added, "I wish I could say," making it clear that he has no news on the athlete's condition and explaining that the immigration case is being handled by another attorney who "is taking care of that."
In short, Julio César Chávez Jr. is still waiting for his deportation order to Mexico.
The case of Julio César Chávez Jr.
Julio César Chávez Jr., 39, was arrested by ICE agents on July 2, 2025, outside his home in Studio City, California. He entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in August 2023, which expired in February 2024. He subsequently applied for permanent residency in April 2024, citing his marriage to U.S. citizen Frida Muñoz, but authorities said he filed fraudulent returns during the process.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has processed him for expedited removal due to his status as an undocumented immigrant and his failure to comply with immigration regulations. However, the process appears to have been halted for some reason.
Additionally, he faces an outstanding arrest warrant issued by Mexican authorities on charges related to organized crime and arms, ammunition, and explosives trafficking.
Beyond his immigration status, the DHS considers him a threat to public safety, accusing him of ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. According to Mexican prosecutors, he allegedly acted as a "hitman," attacking rival gang members on cartel orders. His arrest, which occurred just days after his loss to Jake Paul, prompted a public outcry from former Mexican President Julio César Chávez Sr., who defended his son, calling the charges unjust and constructed to instill fear.
While he remains in ICE custody, possibly at a facility in Texas, his appearance in federal court in California has been postponed, and authorities have not yet confirmed his deportation date or whether he will be extradited directly to Mexico or subject to further proceedings in the U.S. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed hope that he will be handed over to Mexico to continue legal proceedings there.
