Padres Minor-League Coach Detained by ICE

San Diego Padres minor league catching coordinator Oswaldo Pirela was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at El Paso International Airport while returning to Arizona for family leave, and he remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. DHS says Pirela, who came to the United States from Venezuela in 2014, overstayed a permission to remain that expired in 2018, though his brother has shown a 2024 work permit valid until 2029; DHS emphasizes that work authorization does not confer legal residency. Pirela was traveling with the Padres’ spring-training and minor-league duties and lives in Phoenix with his wife and two daughters; the Padres say they are gathering information and declined further comment. Family members and supporters describe him as a law-abiding employee, while DHS has maintained that he overstayed his welcome and was not carrying documents at the time of detainment. The incident has drawn attention amid broader scrutiny of immigration checks at airports and the ongoing removal proceedings for Pirela. The story has been reported by multiple outlets, each noting Pirela’s background as a roving catching instructor and former Texas Rangers minor-league player.