Full Breakdown
Padres Minor-League Coach Detained by ICE and Released on Bond
8/26/2026, 12:05:02 AM
Detention and Release
Oswaldo Pirela, a 34-year-old Venezuelan who serves as the catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres’ Triple-A affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at El Paso International Airport on Aug. 16 while returning from a work assignment. A family spokesperson confirmed that Pirela was released on bond the following Monday and has been reunited with his wife, Kemberly Avila, and their children in Peoria, Arizona.
Immigration Status and Background
According to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statement, Pirela entered the United States legally on September 10, 2014—a date listed in the ledger as scheduled—and was granted permission by the Obama administration to remain until February 10, 2018, an expiration that has since passed. DHS officials said he “overstayed his welcome” and was not carrying his work-permit card at the time of detention. Pirela and his family have pending asylum applications, a detail provided by his wife and brother.
Official Responses
DHS reiterated the legal basis for the detention, emphasizing the lack of current documentation. ABC 10News reported that DHS did not respond to a request for additional details about the release.
Organizational Impact
Pirela is in his third season with the Padres organization, having joined in 2024 after serving as bench coach for the club’s Low-A affiliate in 2024. His role involves working directly with catchers at the Triple-A level, a position that supports player development for the major-league club. The brief interruption of his duties highlights how immigration enforcement can affect personnel across professional sports.
Key Data Summary
- Detention: Aug. 16 at El Paso International Airport
- Entry to U.S.: September 10, 2014 (scheduled)
- Permission expiration: February 10, 2018 (occurred)
- Release: Bond on the Monday after detention (exact date not specified)
- Role: Catching coordinator for the El Paso Chihuahuas; with the Padres since 2024
- Family: Married to Kemberly Avila; father of two; brother Jorge Pirela also cited.
