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U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents arrested Oswaldo Pirela, a catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres’ minor-league operation, at El Paso International Airport early Sunday morning. The 34-year-old Venezuelan national was apprehended around 4 a.m. while attempting to travel home to Arizona, according to reporting by The Athletic.
Pirela was not carrying his work permit card at the time of his detention, according to his brother Jorge Pirela. The Padres’ Triple-A affiliate operates in El Paso, where the coordinator was stationed. Pirela’s wife, Kimberly Avila, confirmed she has maintained contact with her husband and stated the organization is assisting with the situation.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Pirela entered the country legally on September 10, 2014, and was authorized to remain until February 10, 2018, under the previous administration. He subsequently overstayed his permitted duration and lacked legal documentation when questioned by law enforcement. ICE stated he will remain in custody pending removal proceedings.
The Padres released a brief statement acknowledging the detainment and said they were gathering additional information but would offer no further comment. Avila had claimed the family maintained pending asylum applications and temporary identification cards, but ICE clarified that work authorizations and pending applications do not confer legal status in the United States.
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