San Diego Padres minor-league coach Oswaldo Pirela detained by ICE in El Paso
Oswaldo Pirela, a catching coach for the Padres’ minor-league system, was taken into ICE custody in El Paso, Texas, after arriving on a work trip, with the team confirming awareness of the arrest.
A Venezuelan former player who works as a catching coach in the San Diego Padres’ minor-league system was detained by U.S. immigration officials in El Paso, Texas, on Sunday morning. Federal records show the 34-year-old, Oswaldo Pirela, is being held at a local detention center while ICE processes a removal proceeding. The Padres issued a statement saying they are aware of the arrest and are seeking further information.
Pirela, who has lived in the United States for 12 years, arrived in El Paso for a work assignment with the club’s affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas, when he was arrested around 5 a.m. at the airport, according to his sister Daniela Pirela. He applied for asylum in 2015 and resides in Peoria, Arizona, with his wife and two U.S. citizen children, ages nine and four.
The Department of Homeland Security noted that Pirela entered the country legally in 2014 and was granted permission to stay until 2018, after which he remained without lawful status. DHS added that a work authorization or pending applications do not confer legal status. He is currently in ICE custody pending removal.
Pirela previously had a brief minor-league playing career as a catcher in the Texas Rangers organization.