Padres Minor-League Coordinator Oswaldo Pirela Detained by ICE in Texas

Oswaldo Pirela, who serves as the minor-league catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement early Sunday at El Paso International Airport in Texas, according to his family.

Pirela was reportedly taken into custody around 4 a.m. while traveling back to his family in Arizona. His wife, Kemberly Avila, mentioned that the Padres organization is providing assistance during this situation. Pirela, a 34-year-old father of two from Venezuela, did not have his work permit card with him at the time of his detention, as noted by his brother, Jorge Pirela.

The Padres acknowledged the situation in a statement, indicating they are working to gather more information but would not comment further at this time. Avila stated that the family has pending asylum applications and holds temporary ID cards. Pirela has been with the Padres since January 2024 and has not previously encountered immigration enforcement.