Padres Minor-League Coordinator Released After ICE Detainment

Oswaldo Pirela, the minor-league catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres, has been released on bond following his detainment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over a week ago.

Pirela, a 34-year-old Venezuelan national, was detained at El Paso International Airport on August 16 while returning home from a work assignment. He had been in Texas to assist players at the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate. His family confirmed that he is seeking political asylum and has pending applications.

A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security indicated that Pirela entered the U.S. legally in 2014 but overstayed his visa. He was not carrying legal documentation at the time of his detainment. Pirela is in his third season with the Padres, having previously served as a bench coach for the organization’s Low-A affiliate.