Sports News Report
League: MLBSport: BaseballCountry: United StatesCategory: Coaching

Padres coach Oswaldo Pirela detained by ICE in El Paso, Texas

10 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 10:21 PM

Last updated Aug 18, 2026

Padres coach Oswaldo Pirela detained by ICE in El Paso, Texas
Summary

San Diego Padres minor-league catching coordinator Oswaldo Pirela was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while traveling in El Paso, Texas. The detainment occurred early Sunday morning as Pirela was reportedly flying home to Phoenix. The Padres confirmed their awareness of the situation and are working to gather more information. Pirela, who and his family entered the U.S. in 2014 after seeking asylum, was not carrying his work permit at the time of his detainment. His family has publicly addressed the situation, asking for support and expressing their concerns about his legal status.

Source Links
Yahoo SportsAssociated PressThe Guardian SportCBS MLBESPNNBC News
Status Watch
  • •Oswaldo Pirela detained while traveling from Texas to Phoenix.
  • •Padres are gathering information on Pirela's situation.
  • •Pirela's family entered the U.S. legally in 2014 seeking asylum.
  • •Pirela was not carrying his work permit at the time of detainment.
  • •Family members confirmed Pirela's current detainment at the El Paso Processing Center.
Latest Updates
  • 10:21 PMYahoo Sports — Coach in San Diego Padres organization detained by ICE at El Paso airport
  • 8:58 PMAssociated Press — Venezuelan former baseball player working for San Diego Padres is detained by ICE - apnews.com
  • 6:21 PMYahoo Sports — Former Venezuelan player working for San Diego Padres is detained by ICE
  • 6:16 PMYahoo Sports — Padres minor league coach detained by ICE at El Paso airport
  • 6:00 PMThe Guardian Sport — San Diego Padres minor-league staffer detained by ICE after arrest in Texas
  • 4:20 PMYahoo Sports — Former Texas Rangers minor leaguer detained by ICE in El Paso
  • 4:09 PMCBS MLB — Padres' minor-league catching coordinator detained by ICE in Texas
  • 3:39 PMESPN — Padres minor league coordinator detained by ICE
What they're saying
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Family says Venezuelan has pending asylum claim DHS says 34-year-old faces removal proceedings San Diego Padres minor-league catching coordinator Oswaldo Pirela remained in federal immigration custody on Tuesday after being detained at an airport in El Paso, Texas, while returning from a work trip. Pirela’s family said the 34-year-old Venezuelan has a pending asylum claim and has continually renewed his work authorization. The Department of Homeland Security said he does not have legal status and will face removal proceedings. Continue reading...

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A former Venezuelan baseball player working for the San Diego Padres was detained by U.S. immigration officials after arriving in Texas on a work trip for the club, his family said Tuesday. Oswaldo Pirela, a catching coach in the Padres' minor league system, was being held in a detention center in El Paso, federal records show. The Padres said in a statement that the team was aware of Pirela's arrest and was trying to gather more details.

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A player development instructor for the San Diego Padres has been detained by U.S. immigration officials. Oswaldo Pirela is a catching coordinator in the Padres’ minor league system. His sister says the 34-year-old Venezuelan was arrested Sunday while on a wo…

Related Teams & Leagues
San Diego PadresTexas RangersArizona DiamondbacksMLBBaseball

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