A former Texas Rangers minor league player who now works as a coach in the San Diego Padres organization was detained by federal immigration agents at an El Paso airport, according to FOX 4 News.
Oswaldo Pirela, 34, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents Sunday at El Paso International Airport while returning home from a work trip.
Pirela has ties to the Rangers after signing with the organization in 2009 and spending three years in its minor league system. He now works as a minor league catching coordinator for the Padres.
The Department of Homeland Security said Pirela legally entered the United States in September 2014 and was authorized to remain in the country until Feb. 10, 2018.
DHS officials said Pirela stayed beyond that date in violation of federal immigration law and did not have documentation showing he had legal status in the United States when he was detained.
Pirela’s brother said the family has pending asylum applications and temporary identification cards. He said Pirela apparently did not have his work permit card with him when he was detained.
Immigration attorney Eric Cedillo, who is not involved in Pirela’s case, said Pirela’s legal options could depend on whether he has already received a final deportation order.
“If he does have a final deportation order, then he may be relatively limited in terms of what he can do, because the courts have already made a determination,” Cedillo said.
Cedillo said an appeal may be possible, particularly if Pirela did not receive proper notice of his immigration proceedings. He said people detained in similar cases can remain in federal custody for months while awaiting a hearing.
The Padres said they are aware of Pirela’s detention and are gathering additional information. The organization declined to comment further.
DHS said Pirela will remain in ICE custody while removal proceedings are pending and will receive due process.