El Paso, Texas – Oswaldo Pirela, a former Venezuelan baseball player now serving as a catching coach in the San Diego Padres’ minor‑league system, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at El Paso airport early Sunday morning. The arrest occurred while Pirela was on a work‑related trip for the club.
Family says he has complied with U.S. law for over a decade
According to his sister, Daniela Pirela, Oswaldo has lived in the United States for 12 years, applied for asylum in 2015, and resides in Peoria, Arizona, with his wife and two U.S. citizen children, ages nine and four. “Since he arrived in this country, the only thing he’s done is follow the rules of this country and do things properly,” Daniela told the Associated Press.
Detention details
Federal records show that Pirela is being held in an ICE detention center in El Paso. The Padres issued a brief statement confirming they are aware of the arrest and are working to gather more information. ICE has not responded to a request for comment.
Professional background
Pirela’s baseball career began as a catcher in the Texas Rangers organization, where he played briefly in the minor leagues before transitioning to coaching. He currently works within the Padres’ minor‑league network, which includes the El Paso Chihuahuas, the club’s Triple‑A affiliate located in the city where he was arrested.
Immigration context
The detention underscores ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions that affect both citizens and non‑citizens across the country. While Pirela’s case is still under investigation, his family emphasizes his long‑term residence, employment history, and compliance with U.S. law.
What’s next?
The Padres have pledged to monitor the situation and support Pirela’s legal process. Immigration advocates note that cases like this often involve complex reviews of asylum status, work visas, and detention procedures. The outcome will depend on the federal review of his immigration record and any pending legal challenges.
For now, the baseball community in both El Paso and the broader Padres organization is awaiting further details, while Pirela’s family continues to advocate for his release and the protection of his family’s rights under the Constitution.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
