Padres Coach's ICE Detention
San Diego Padres Coach Oswaldo Pirela Detained by ICE During Work Travel in El Paso
Key Points
He was not carrying his work permit card at the time of his detainment.
Pirela travels weekly for the Padres and was detained while traveling for work, highlighting his regular travel as part of his role in player development.
He has two U.S.-born daughters and has been seeking asylum since 2014, with the asylum process described as taking a long time.
Before joining the Padres, Pirela played three seasons in the Texas Rangers organization in the Dominican Summer League (2009-11).
San Diego Padres minor league catching coordinator Oswaldo Pirela was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at El Paso International Airport while on a routine work trip for the team, according to CNN. Pirela, 34, remains in custody at the El Paso Processing Center as of late Monday.
The Padres confirmed the situation in a statement, saying they are "gathering information" and will comment further when available, according to NY Post. ICE has not issued a formal comment on the case.
Pirela Was Traveling for Work When Detained
Pirela travels weekly as part of his role in player development for the Padres. He joined the organization in January 2024 and was returning home from a work assignment when ICE stopped him at the El Paso airport, according to CNN. His family says he was not carrying his work permit card at the time of the arrest.
KRDO reported that Pirela works as a catching coordinator in the Padres' minor league system. His role requires regular travel to different team facilities, making his detention a direct disruption to his work responsibilities.
Family Says He Is Here Legally and Has Sought Asylum Since 2014
Pirela's relatives insist he is in the United States legally. According to CNN, he has been seeking asylum since 2014 — a process his family describes as taking a very long time and one that has not yet concluded. He has two U.S.-born daughters.
Pirela's asylum case spans more than a decade. His family is now searching for answers about why he was detained and when he might be released, according to NY Post.
A Baseball Career That Spans Two Organizations
Before joining the Padres, Pirela played three seasons in the Texas Rangers organization in the Dominican Summer League from 2009 to 2011. He later moved into coaching and player development, eventually landing his current role with San Diego in early 2024.
The Padres have not said whether his detention will affect their player development operations. The team's statement, reported by KRDO, gave no timeline for when they expect to have more information.
ICE Detainee Records Confirm He Remains in Custody
ICE detainee records show Pirela is being held at the El Paso Processing Center, according to CNN. No formal charges have been made public. ICE has not responded to media requests for comment on his immigration status or the reason for his detention.
The case has drawn wide media attention as an example of immigration enforcement affecting professional sports staff. His family continues to seek legal help and answers, according to NY Post.
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