Oswaldo Pirela, a 34-year-old former Venezuelan baseball player employed as a catching coach in the San Diego Padres’ minor league system, was taken into custody by U.S. immigration officials following his arrival at an airport in El Paso on Sunday morning. Pirela was in the Texas city as part of a work assignment for the Padres organization, which operates the El Paso Chihuahuas minor league affiliate team in that location.
According to his sister, Daniela Pirela, her brother has resided in the United States for the past 12 years and has maintained compliance with local laws. She indicated that he submitted an asylum application in 2015 and currently lives in Peoria, Arizona, with his wife and two children, both of whom hold U.S. citizenship. Daniela Pirela emphasized to media outlets that her brother has adhered to the country’s legal requirements since his arrival.
The Department of Homeland Security provided a different account of Pirela’s immigration status. According to DHS, Pirela entered the country legally in 2014 and received authorization to remain until 2018. The agency stated that he subsequently remained in the country beyond the permitted timeframe. DHS further noted that pending work authorization applications or other pending legal applications do not establish formal legal status in the United States. Following the detention, Pirela was placed in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody pending removal proceedings.
Pirela previously pursued a professional baseball career as a catcher within the Texas Rangers organization’s minor league system. The Padres confirmed they were aware of the situation and were attempting to gather additional information regarding the circumstances of his detention.
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