San Diego Padres Coordinator Oswaldo Pirela Released on Bond After El Paso Detention

Padres staff member returns to Arizona as immigration case continues

EL PASO, Texas — San Diego Padres minor league catching coordinator Oswaldo Pirela has been released on bond after federal immigration officers detained him at El Paso International Airport during a work trip earlier this month, his family and the club said Tuesday.

Pirela, a Venezuelan native who lives in Arizona, returned home to be with his family after his release Monday, according to his sister, Daniela Pirela. The Padres confirmed that the coach was no longer in custody but declined to discuss the underlying immigration matter.

“We are pleased that Oswaldo Pirela has been released on bond and reunited with his family,” the Padres said in a statement. “Out of respect for his privacy and the ongoing matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”

Detained during trip to Padres affiliate city

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Pirela on Aug. 16 at El Paso International Airport, where he had traveled for work. El Paso is home to the El Paso Chihuahuas, the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate, making the trip part of his responsibilities within San Diego’s minor league development system.

Pirela works as a catching coordinator for the Padres’ farm system, a role focused on supporting and developing catchers across the organization. Before moving into coaching, he had a brief playing career as a catcher in the Texas Rangers’ minor league organization.

The case has drawn attention because it involves a staff member of a Major League Baseball organization who was detained while traveling for his job. Immigration cases involving people with pending applications or employment authorization can remain subject to removal proceedings, depending on their individual status and immigration history.

Family disputes Homeland Security account

The Department of Homeland Security previously said Pirela entered the United States legally in 2014 but remained in the country after 2018. In its Tuesday statement, the department said he had been released on bond while removal proceedings continue.

DHS also said that a work permit or a pending immigration application does not itself confer legal status in the United States. The agency did not provide further details about the conditions of Pirela’s bond or the schedule for future immigration hearings.

Pirela’s relatives have challenged the government’s description of his circumstances. His family has said he applied for asylum and received work permits, arguing that he had been pursuing legal avenues to remain in the country.

Federal immigration enforcement is overseen by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while DHS administers the broader immigration enforcement system. A bond release allows an immigrant to leave custody while a case proceeds, but it does not resolve the underlying removal case.

Pirela is now back with his family in Arizona, according to his sister. His immigration proceedings remain pending, and neither DHS nor the Padres has announced additional details about the case or his work status with the organization.