Padres minor-league catching coordinator Oswaldo Pirela detained by ICE in Texas
Oswaldo José Pirela, a minor-league catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at El Paso International Airport and remains in custody.
San Diego Padres minor-league catching coordinator Oswaldo José Pirela was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at El Paso International Airport early Sunday while traveling for work. Records from ICE show that he was still detained as of late Monday.
The Padres issued a brief statement Tuesday saying they had only recently learned of the detention and were gathering more information, adding that they had no further comment at the time.
Pirela, who was raised in Venezuela and entered the United States in 2014, has lived in the Phoenix, Arizona area and is the father of two U.S.-born daughters. His sister, Daniela Pirela, said he is in the country legally and has an ongoing asylum case, but she does not know why the process has been delayed.
Family members posted on social media, describing Pirela as a devoted father and coach, and requested assistance from U.S. Representative Abraham Hamadeh, who represents the district that includes Pirela’s residence. A spokesperson for the congressman had not responded to inquiries.
ICE and Major League Baseball did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The family is seeking legal representation to secure his release and ensure due process.