San Diego Padres minor-league catching coordinator detained by ICE in Texas

Key Points:

• Oswaldo José Pirela, minor-league catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres, was detained by immigration authorities at El Paso International Airport while traveling for work, and remains in custody according to ICE records and family statements.
• Pirela, who was raised in Venezuela, legally entered the U.S. and sought asylum in 2014; his family believes his detention is unjust and possibly linked to his ongoing asylum case, which has yet to be resolved.
• The Padres acknowledged learning of Pirela’s detainment and are gathering information but have not issued further comments; ICE and Major League Baseball have not responded to requests for comment.
• Family members, including Pirela’s sister and brother, emphasize his lawful status, dedication as a father and coach, and have publicly called for intervention from U.S. Rep. Abraham Hamadeh and legal assistance to secure his release.
• Pirela has deep ties to the U.S., living near Phoenix with his two U.S.-born daughters, and his family and community are actively advocating for his return and due process.