Oswaldo Jose Pirela, a minor-league catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres, is being held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody over allegations that he overstayed his authorized visa by more than eight years, federal authorities announced Tuesday.
Pirela, a native of Venezuela, was granted permission to remain in the United States until February 10, 2018, according to a post on X by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He was taken into custody over the weekend at El Paso International Airport in Texas.
"NOBODY is above the law," DHS officials stated on X. "He will remain in ICE custody pending removal."
A DHS spokesperson confirmed to NBC News that Pirela legally entered the U.S. in 2014. However, at the time of his apprehension, he did not possess legal documentation granting him status in the country.
Pirela's sister, Daniela, told NBC News that her brother was traveling for work when he was detained. She reported having brief contact with him but was unaware of his specific conditions in detention, noting he tries not to worry his family.
The San Diego Padres organization acknowledged awareness of Pirela's situation and stated they were gathering additional information, declining further comment.
Pirela, 34, is a father of two. He previously played in the Texas Rangers' minor-league system from 2009 to 2011 and joined the Padres' organization in 2024. He worked primarily with the team's Triple-A affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas.
