NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsAugust 19, 2026Hillsborough
Border Patrol detains Padres minor league coach; family disputes federal claims of illegal status
Oswaldo Pirela, a minor league catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres, is currently in ICE custody following his arrest at El Paso International Airport on August 16, 2026. While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims Pirela overstayed a 2014 visa and lacks legal status, his family maintains he has a pending asylum application and a valid work permit.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsWhy It Matters
The case highlights a conflict between federal immigration enforcement and individuals with pending asylum claims, as DHS states that work permits and pending applications do not confer legal status.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
organizationSan Diego Padres“Stated they are aware of the arrest and gathering information.”organizationDepartment of Homeland Security“Stated that Pirela overstayed his visa and is in ICE custody.”personLaura Acevedo“Original reporter of the story for Scripps News Group.”personNaivy Dominguez“Disputes the government's account of her son's legal status.”personOswaldo Pirela“Detained by Border Patrol at El Paso International Airport.”