Oswaldo Pirela Detained by ICE at El Paso Airport, Padres Say

Padres staff member remains in immigration custody after work travel stop

EL PASO, Texas — San Diego Padres minor-league catching coordinator Oswaldo José Pirela was detained by immigration authorities at El Paso International Airport on Sunday and remained in custody late Monday, according to his family and federal detainee records.

Pirela’s sister, Daniela Pirela, said he was stopped at about 5 a.m. Sunday while traveling for work. She said he makes similar work-related trips weekly for the Padres. A search of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainee locator showed that Pirela was still being held late Monday.

The Padres confirmed early Tuesday that the organization had learned of Pirela’s detention. “We are working to gather additional information and will not have any further comment at this time,” the club said in a statement.

ICE and Major League Baseball did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the detention or the basis for it. The absence of an official explanation has left relatives seeking details about Pirela’s status, detention conditions and possible legal options.

Family says Pirela has a pending asylum case

Daniela Pirela said her brother was raised in Venezuela and came to the United States in 2014, when he sought asylum. She said he is in the country legally and does not understand why his asylum case has taken years to resolve.

“He did everything lawfully as the U.S. asks,” Daniela Pirela said. “He loves this country.”

She said she briefly spoke with her brother after he was detained but had limited information about the conditions of his confinement. “He’s a very strong person and he tries not to worry us,” she said. “He’s going to say he’s OK. That’s what he said.”

Family members said Pirela lives outside Phoenix, Arizona, and has two daughters who were born in the United States. His brother, Jorge Heli Pirela, wrote on Instagram that several members of the family had been affected by persecution under the Venezuelan government and came to the United States through the legal asylum process.

In the post, Jorge Pirela described his brother as a “devoted father, a dedicated coach” and a respected worker. He said the family is seeking Pirela’s release and due process. Daniela Pirela said relatives were looking for an attorney to help challenge or clarify his detention.

Family seeks congressional assistance

Relatives have also publicly asked U.S. Rep. Abraham Hamadeh, whose Arizona district includes Pirela’s home area, to intervene. A spokesperson for Hamadeh did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Pirela’s mother, Naivy Dominguez, said in an Instagram video that her son’s immigration history can be documented and urged supporters to speak out on his behalf. “Today, his daughters are waiting for their father to come home,” she said.

Before joining the Padres’ player-development operation, Pirela spent time in professional baseball after signing with the Texas Rangers in 2009. Major League Baseball records show he played multiple positions for the Dominican Summer League Rangers during a three-year stint in the organization.

The case highlights the uncertainty facing immigrants with long-pending asylum claims, even when they have established careers and families in the United States. As of late Monday, Pirela remained listed in ICE custody, while his family and the Padres awaited further information from immigration authorities.