Oswaldo Pirela, a catching coach in the San Diego Padres' minor league system, was detained by U.S. immigration officers while on a work trip for the team, according to his family. Federal records indicate Pirela is being held at a detention center in El Paso.
Pirela, a former minor league player from Venezuela, arrived in El Paso on Sunday and was arrested around 5 a.m. at the airport. The Padres have a minor league affiliate team, the El Paso Chihuahuas, in the city.
According to his sister, Daniela Pirela, her 34-year-old brother has resided in the U.S. for 12 years and has complied with immigration laws. She stated he applied for asylum in 2015 and currently lives in Peoria, Arizona, with his wife and two U.S. citizen children, aged 9 and 4.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Pirela legally entered the U.S. in 2014 and was permitted to remain until 2018, after which he overstayed his visa. The department clarified that work authorization or pending applications do not grant legal status. Pirela is currently in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
The San Diego Padres organization stated they are aware of Pirela's arrest and are seeking further details.