Chávez Father Defends His Son: Detention by ICE and Accusations in Mexico

Julio César Chávez speaks out for his son: “He is not a criminal”

The legendary Mexican boxer, Julio César Chávez, has expressed his firm support for his son, Julio César Chávez Jr., following his arrest in Los Angeles by U.S. immigration agents. Chávez Sr., known for his successful boxing career, has publicly declared his confidence in his son’s innocence against the accusations against him. Chávez Jr., 39, was arrested for overstaying his visa and allegedly providing false information on his residency card application. In addition, he faces an active arrest warrant in Mexico for alleged links to arms and drug trafficking, as well as alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.

“It’s complicated, there’s a lot of talk, but we are calm because we know my son’s innocence,” stated Chavez Sr. to El Heraldo newspaper. “My son will be whatever you want, whatever it is, but he is not a criminal, and even less so everything he is being accused of.”

Julio César Chávez

Mexico’s Attorney General, Alejandro Gertz Manero, revealed that the investigation against Chávez Jr. began in 2019, following a complaint from US authorities related to the Sinaloa Cartel for organized crime, human trafficking, arms and drug trafficking. Chávez Sr., who was a public figure in the 1980s and 1990s, has acknowledged that his son knows people involved in illicit activities, but denies any criminal involvement. “In my time, I knew everyone, and they didn’t persecute me,” declared the former world champion. Chávez Jr.’s lawyers have requested at least five injunctions in Mexico, which have been rejected because the boxer is currently in the United States. Chávez’s father has assured that they are prepared for any scenario. “The lawyers in the United States are working to see if he stays there, and we are prepared if he comes here. We will fight under Mexican law if he is transferred here,” he added. Chávez Jr.’s arrest occurred a few days after his defeat to influencer and boxer Jake Paul in a fight in Anaheim, California. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security determined that Chávez Jr. should be arrested on June 27, a day before the fight. It is still unclear why the authorities waited several days after the event to carry out the arrest. “Why did they let him fight? My son has been paying taxes in the United States for three years, and now in Mexico they accuse him of money laundering,” questioned Mr. Chávez. “Yes, he knows those people, but that doesn’t mean I’m a drug trafficker. Let’s trust the law.”