# ICE detention of San Diego Padres coach Oswaldo Pirela > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ice-detention-of-san-diego-padres-coach-oswaldo-pirela > Updated: 2026-08-25T18:28:00.000Z. Sources: 59. Developments: 3. Oswaldo Pirela, a Venezuelan former professional baseball player and current minor league catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at El Paso International Airport on August 16 while traveling for work involving the Padres’ affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleges that although Pirela entered the U.S. legally in 2014, his authorized stay expired on February 10, 2018. DHS officials emphasized that a work permit or a pending application does not equate to legal immigration status, noting he lacked physical documentation of legal status at the time of his arrest. 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 was in the process of applying for an EB-2 visa. His sister, Daniela Pirela, asserted that he has followed all laws and possesses valid work permits. After being held in custody for more than a week, the 34-year-old has been released on bond. Following his release, Pirela returned to his home in Arizona to reunite with his wife and two children. The San Diego Padres confirmed his release and expressed satisfaction that he has reunited with his family, though they declined to provide further comment due to the ongoing legal matter. Pirela remains involved in removal proceedings regarding his status. ## Claims - Oswaldo Pirela entered the U.S. legally in 2014 and his permission to remain expired in February 2018. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Oswaldo Pirela has been released on bond and has returned to his home in Arizona. (corroborated by 4 sources) - ICE detained Pirela at El Paso International Airport on August 16 during a work-related trip. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Pirela joined the San Diego Padres organization as a catching coordinator in 2024. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Pirela has a pending asylum case and has held work permits. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The San Diego Padres confirmed that Pirela is no longer in custody. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Oswaldo Pirela released on bond after ICE detention San Diego Padres minor league coach Oswaldo Pirela has been released on bond after being detained by ICE in Texas. His family disputes DHS claims regarding his immigration status. 31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oswaldo-pirela-released-from-ice-custody-after-detention-in-texas ### 2026-08-20: San Diego Padres coach Oswaldo Pirela detained by ICE San Diego Padres minor league coordinator Oswaldo Pirela has been detained by ICE in El Paso and faces deportation following disputes over his immigration status. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-diego-padres-coach-oswaldo-pirela-detained-by-ice ### 2026-08-18: Oswaldo Pirela, San Diego Padres coach, detained by ICE in Texas San Diego Padres minor league catching coordinator Oswaldo Pirela was detained by ICE at an El Paso airport for allegedly overstaying his visa, despite family claims of legal asylum status. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oswaldo-pirela-detained-by-ice-in-texas --- Cite as: ICE detention of San Diego Padres coach Oswaldo Pirela. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ice-detention-of-san-diego-padres-coach-oswaldo-pirela