Padres minor-league catching coordinator detained by ICE in Texas

Oswaldo Pirela, the San Diego Padres’ minor-league catching coordinator, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at El Paso International Airport early Sunday while returning to his family in Arizona, his wife Kemberly Avila said. The 34-year-old Venezuelan, a father of two, was not carrying his work permit at the time of the arrest, according to his brother Jorge Pirela.

The Padres issued a brief statement confirming they were aware of the detention and were gathering information, but declined further comment. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told The Athletic that Pirela entered the United States legally in 2014 and that his authorized stay expired in February 2018. The spokesperson said he was arrested for lacking legal documentation and will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

The MLB Players Association, which does not represent coaches, said it continues to assist international players and their families with immigration matters and encourages proper documentation when traveling. Major League Baseball declined to comment.

Avila noted that the family has pending asylum applications and that all members hold temporary identification cards. Pirela has been with the Padres organization since January 2024 and has not previously encountered immigration officials.