STWF Sports | EL PASO, Texas | August 19, 2026 — Oswaldo Pirela, a former Texas Rangers minor league catcher who currently works in player development for the San Diego Padres, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in El Paso, bringing an unexpected immigration case into the baseball spotlight.
Pirela, 34, was taken into custody at El Paso International Airport while returning home to Arizona following a work assignment with the Padres organization. Federal records showed Pirela remained in ICE custody in El Paso as the Department of Homeland Security said he would face removal proceedings. (AP News)
The Venezuelan native has longstanding connections to professional baseball, including ties to North Texas. Pirela signed with the Texas Rangers organization in 2009 and spent three seasons in the club’s minor league system, playing catcher in the Dominican Summer League. He later transitioned into coaching and joined the Padres organization, where he currently serves as a minor league catching coordinator. (Chron)
His detention occurred after a work trip connected to the Padres’ player-development operation. San Diego’s Triple-A affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas, is based in the city.
The central issue now surrounds Pirela’s immigration status.
According to DHS, Pirela legally entered the United States in September 2014 and was authorized to remain in the country through Feb. 10, 2018. Federal officials contend that he remained beyond that authorized period and did not possess documentation establishing lawful immigration status when he was detained. DHS has also said that possessing work authorization or having a pending immigration application does not, by itself, establish legal immigration status. (ABC13 Houston)
Pirela’s family has presented a different picture of his circumstances.
Family members have said Pirela sought asylum after leaving Venezuela and has a pending asylum application. His relatives also say he has maintained employment authorization during his time in the United States. One document provided by the family reportedly indicates that Pirela received work authorization in 2024 that is valid through 2029. (AP News)
Those circumstances could become important as his case proceeds through the immigration system.
Pirela lives in Arizona with his wife and two young children, both of whom are U.S. citizens, according to his family. His relatives have publicly described him as a dedicated father and baseball professional who has worked to follow the immigration process while building his life and career in the United States. (AP News)
The Padres confirmed that the organization is aware of Pirela’s detention and is gathering additional information. The club has declined further comment while the matter remains unresolved. (ABC News)
Immigration cases involving pending asylum claims, employment authorization and potential removal proceedings can involve several separate legal questions. The existence of a work permit, for example, does not necessarily resolve an individual’s underlying immigration status, while pending applications or possible appeals can affect how a removal case ultimately develops.
For now, Pirela remains away from the organization while his legal situation plays out.
DHS has said he will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings and will receive due process. No public timetable has been established for his next immigration hearing or when his case could be resolved. (WGME)
For the Padres, the situation extends well beyond baseball. For Pirela and his family, the coming proceedings will determine whether the former Rangers farmhand can return to his home, family and coaching career in professional baseball.
