ICE detains Padres coach
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
ICE arrested Padres minor league coach Oswaldo Pirela at El Paso airport Sunday. His family says he has a valid work permit and pending asylum.
Background
Pirela, a Venezuelan former player, has been in the U.S. since 2014 and works as the Padres' minor-league catching coordinator. He was detained while returning from a work trip to the team's Triple-A affiliate in El Paso. His family says he has a valid work permit and a pending asylum application, but DHS says he overstayed his visa and faces removal.
How it unfolded
- Aug 16, 2026Pirela was detained by ICE at El Paso International Airport around 5 a.m. while traveling for work.
- Aug 17, 2026The Padres issued a statement saying they were aware of the detainment and gathering more information.
- Aug 18, 2026Family members publicly demanded his release, citing his valid work permit and U.S. citizen children.
- Aug 19, 2026DHS stated Pirela overstayed his welcome and will remain in ICE custody pending removal.
Who’s saying what
- Family
- Pirela's family says he has followed the law, has a valid work permit, and should be released.
- DHS
- DHS says Pirela overstayed his visa and lacks legal status, so he will face removal.
- Padres
- The team said it is aware of the situation and gathering more information, with no further comment.
Still unverified
Pirela's family says he has a valid work permit issued in 2024 and valid until 2029, but DHS says he lacks legal status. The exact circumstances of his arrest and the validity of his asylum claim are disputed.