ICE launches extraordinary breach accusations against Padres coach after his emotional family branded detention ‘unjust’
A San Diego Padres minor league coach remains in ICE detention as federal authorities claim he ‘overstayed his welcome’ in the United States by eight years.
Oswaldo Jose Pirela, a Venezuelan native and Padres minor-league catching coordinator, is accused of staying in the country illegally past the expiry of his visa.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Pirela was granted permission to stay until February 10, 2018 by the Obama administration.
‘Nobody is above the law,’ read a post on X from DHS, ‘and he will remain in ICE custody pending removal.’
In a statement to NBC News, a DHS spokesperson added that Pirela did not have ‘legal documentation granting him status in the country’ when he was approached by immigration authorities in El Paso, Texas, this past weekend.
His sister, Daniela, told the outlet her brother had been at El Paso International Airport while traveling for work when he was taken into custody.
Padres minor-league catching coordinator Oswaldo Pirela remains in custody after his arrest
DHS officials claim Pirela had overstayed his visa which demanded his exit in 2018
The Padres say they are ‘working to gather additional information’ on Pirela’s situation
She added that she was able to have some brief contact with him, but didn’t know what conditions he faces in detention.
‘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.’
In a statement on Tuesday, the Padres said they were ‘aware’ of Pirela’s situation and were ‘working to gather additional information.’ The team did not offer any further comment.
Pirela, a 34-year-old father of two, previously played in the Texas Rangers’ minor-league system from 2009-11.
He joined the Padres in 2024 and worked closely with the team’s Triple-A affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas.