ICE detains San Diego Padres minor-league coach Oswaldo Pirela in El Paso
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Padres minor-league coach Oswaldo Pirela at El Paso airport, and the Department of Homeland Security said he faces removal after allegedly overstaying a 2018 deadline.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Oswaldo Pirela, a minor-league coach for the San Diego Padres, at El Paso International Airport on Sunday. The Department of Homeland Security said Pirela, a Venezuelan national, has been in U.S. custody since the arrest and could be removed from the country.
DHS posted a tweet stating that Pirela was granted permission to remain in the United States until February 10, 2018, and that he has exceeded that period by more than eight years. The agency added that he will stay in ICE custody pending removal and encouraged undocumented individuals to use the CBP Home App to arrange voluntary departure.
Pirela’s brother, Jorge Heli Pirela, described his sibling as a devoted father and coach who has earned respect from coworkers and community members. He said the family fled persecution in Venezuela, applied for asylum, and has been contributing members of American society.
According to Kemberly Avila, Pirela’s wife, he has a pending asylum application and usually carries a temporary ID card, though he did not have his work permit at the time of the arrest. DHS officials noted that a work permit or pending asylum does not confer legal status.
The Padres organization confirmed awareness of the detention and said it is seeking further information. The Major League Baseball Players Association said it is working with immigration experts to help foreign-born players and their families maintain proper documentation while traveling.