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Oswaldo Pirela, a catching coordinator in the San Diego Padres’ minor league system, returned to his Arizona home Monday after being released on bond, according to a statement from his sister Daniela Pirela on Tuesday. The Venezuela-born coach had been held in federal custody following his detention at El Paso International Airport on August 16 during a work-related trip.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended Pirela while he was at the airport serving the Padres’ minor league affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas. The Department of Homeland Security previously stated that Pirela entered the United States legally in 2014 but overstayed his visa after 2018.
Pirela’s family has contested DHS’s account, asserting that he filed for asylum and obtained valid work permits before his detention. The Padres confirmed his release in a brief statement: “We are pleased that Oswaldo Pirela has been released on bond and reunited with his family. Out of respect for his privacy and the ongoing matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”
Pirela previously played catcher in minor league baseball within the Texas Rangers organization before joining the Padres’ coaching staff.
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