Key facts
- Oswaldo Pirela, a minor league catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres, was detained by ICE at El Paso International Airport.
- Pirela's family claims he has a pending asylum claim and has continually renewed his work authorization.
- The Department of Homeland Security stated Pirela entered the U.S. illegally in 2014 and does not have legal status.
- Pirela was returning from a work trip when he was detained.
- The San Diego Padres are aware of the situation and are gathering more information.
Oswaldo Pirela, a minor league catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres, remains in federal immigration custody after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at El Paso International Airport in Texas. Pirela, a 34-year-old Venezuelan, was reportedly stopped early Sunday morning while preparing to fly home to Arizona after a work trip. His family asserts that he has a pending asylum claim, has continually renewed his work authorization, and is pursuing an EB-2 visa. They stated he fled political persecution in Venezuela after arriving in 2014. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disputes this, claiming Pirela entered the U.S. illegally in 2014 and was granted permission to remain only until February 2018. DHS officials stated he stayed beyond that date and was not carrying documentation of legal status when apprehended. The agency confirmed he will remain in ICE custody while removal proceedings continue, emphasizing that work authorization or a pending application does not confer legal status. The San Diego Padres acknowledged awareness of Pirela's detainment and stated they are working to gather additional information. Major League Baseball confirmed the Padres had contacted Pirela's family, who reported the club was assisting them. Pirela joined the Padres' player-development staff in 2024 and previously played in the Texas Rangers' minor-league system. His detention occurs amid increased immigration enforcement actions.