Oswaldo Pirela, San Diego Padres coach, detained by ICE in Texas

Oswaldo Pirela, a Venezuelan former professional baseball player and current catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres' minor league system, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at El Paso International Airport. The arrest occurred early Sunday morning while Pirela was traveling on a work trip for the Padres.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Pirela entered the U.S. legally in 2014 but was granted permission to remain only until February 10, 2018. DHS officials alleged that he overstayed his authorized period and was not in possession of legal documentation granting him status at the time of his encounter with law enforcement. The agency noted that work authorizations or pending applications do not confer legal status.

Pirela’s family has contested these claims, stating he has lived in the U.S. for 12 years, has a pending asylum case due to persecution in Venezuela, and has consistently renewed his work permits. His family highlighted that he resides in Arizona with his wife and two U.S.-born daughters. The San Diego Padres organization confirmed they are aware of the situation and are working to gather more information.