ICE detained Padres coach Oswaldo Pirela at El Paso airport; family says his 2014 asylum case is still pending

On August 16, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Oswaldo Jose Pirela, the San Diego Padres' minor-league catching coordinator, at El Paso International Airport at approximately 5 a.m. as he was traveling for a work trip, according to his family and ICE detainee records. Pirela, who was raised in Venezuela and lives near Phoenix, Arizona, has two U.S.-born daughters.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement that Pirela entered the country legally on September 10, 2014, was authorized to stay until February 10, 2018, and "was not in possession of legal documentation granting him status in the country" when approached by officers; DHS said he would remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. Pirela's family disputes that framing: his sister, Daniela Pirela, and brother Jorge Pirela say he sought asylum in 2014 through official channels and that the case has remained pending ever since, and his wife told reporters the family carries temporary immigration ID cards. DHS's statement does not address the asylum application. The Padres said in a statement that they were gathering information and had no further comment. Family members have asked U.S. Rep. Abraham Hamadeh, who represents Pirela's home district, to intervene, and say they are seeking legal counsel. As of August 18, 2026, Pirela remained in ICE custody.