POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsTimes of San DiegoAugust 25, 2026San Diego

Padres minor league coordinator Oswaldo Pirela released from ICE custody

Oswaldo Pirela, a minor league catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres, has been released from ICE custody on bond after being detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents earlier this month. Pirela, who has a pending asylum case and a work permit, has returned to his home in Arizona.

immigrationsportsdeportationasylum
Read the full story at Times of San Diego

Why It Matters

The release of a professional sports staff member from federal immigration detention highlights the ongoing legal status challenges for individuals with expired temporary residency permits who are seeking asylum.

Key Facts

  • Oswaldo Pirela was released from ICE custody on bond after being held for just over a week.
  • Pirela was detained by U.S. Border Patrol at El Paso International Airport earlier this month.
  • Pirela currently has a pending asylum case and a work permit.
  • The Department of Homeland Security states Pirela entered the U.S. legally in 2014.
  • DHS officials claim Pirela was granted permission to stay until February 10, 2018, and subsequently overstayed.
  • Pirela joined the San Diego Padres as a minor league catching coordinator in 2024.
  • Pirela previously played for the Texas Rangers in the Dominican Summer League from 2009 to 2011.

Who's Mentioned

locationEl Paso International Airport“Location of initial detention”locationVenezuela“Country of origin”organizationSan Diego Padres“Employer of Pirela”organizationTexas Rangers“Former employer of Pirela”organizationU.S. Border Patrol“Detained Pirela at El Paso International Airport”personOswaldo Pirela“Padres minor league catching coordinator”other34“Age of Oswaldo Pirela”organizationICE“Held Pirela in custody”locationArizona“Home of Pirela”