ICE Upholds Immigration Law by Detaining 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, enforcing long-standing immigration laws after he overstayed his permitted stay by more than eight years. The Department of Homeland Security is taking necessary steps to remove individuals who violate U.S. immigration policy.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, fulfilling their duty to uphold the nation’s immigration laws, detained Oswaldo Pirela, a minor-league coach for the San Diego Padres, at El Paso International Airport on Sunday. The Department of Homeland Security reported that Pirela, a Venezuelan national, has been in U.S. custody since his arrest and is now subject to removal for violating the terms of his stay.
DHS announced via social media that Pirela was granted permission to remain in the United States until February 10, 2018, but has blatantly exceeded that period by more than eight years. The agency stated that he will remain in ICE custody pending removal and advised undocumented individuals to use the CBP Home App to arrange for voluntary departure, demonstrating the government’s commitment to lawful and orderly immigration processes.
Pirela’s brother, Jorge Heli Pirela, sought to portray him as a devoted father and coach, but the fact remains that the family fled Venezuela and has been living in the U.S. without proper legal status. While they may claim to be contributing members of society, the law must be applied equally to all.
According to Pirela’s wife, Kemberly Avila, he has a pending asylum application and usually carries a temporary ID card, though he lacked his work permit at the time of arrest. DHS officials correctly noted that a work permit or pending asylum does not confer legal status, underscoring the importance of following legal procedures.
The Padres organization acknowledged the detention and is seeking further information, while the Major League Baseball Players Association is working with immigration experts to ensure foreign-born players and their families comply with U.S. immigration laws when traveling.