Oswaldo Pirela, a minor-league catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres, remained in federal immigration custody on Tuesday after being detained at an airport in El Paso, Texas. He was reportedly returning from a work trip.
Pirela's family stated that the 34-year-old Venezuelan has a pending asylum claim and has consistently renewed his work authorization. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said he does not have legal status and will face removal proceedings.
Relatives reported that Pirela was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at El Paso International Airport early on Sunday. His sister, Daniela Pirela, told NBC News he was stopped around 5am, and his wife, Kemberly Avila, told The Athletic he was preparing to fly home to Arizona.
DHS stated that Pirela entered the US illegally in 2014 and was permitted to remain until February 2018. The department said he stayed beyond that date and was not carrying documentation conferring legal status when approached. A DHS spokesperson clarified that work authorization or a pending application do not grant legal status in the United States.
Pirela joined the Padres' player-development staff in 2024. The Padres released a statement saying they are gathering additional information and would not comment further at this time.