DHS says Padres minor-league coach Oswaldo Pirela faces potential removal after ICE agents detained him at El Paso International Airport.
Yuki Iwamura/Associated Press
The Department of Homeland Security is defending the arrest of San Diego Padres minor-league coach Oswaldo Pirela, saying the Venezuelan national remained in the United States more than eight years after his authorization to stay expired.
Pirela was detained Sunday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at El Paso International Airport while returning from a work trip with the Padres. As of Wednesday morning, he remained in ICE custody at the El Paso Processing Center.
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In a social media post DHS said Pirela was authorized to remain in the United States until Feb. 10, 2018, and now faces removal proceedings.
FACT CHECK: This Venezuelan illegal alien, Oswaldo Jose Pirela Dominguez, was granted permission by the Obama Administration to remain in our nation until February 10, 2018. In violation of our nation’s laws, he overstayed his welcome by more than 8 YEARS.
NOBODY is above the… https://t.co/gmaNyC8Ktq
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) August 18, 2026
“FACT CHECK: This Venezuelan illegal alien, Oswaldo Jose Pirela Dominguez, was granted permission by the Obama Administration to remain in our nation until February 10, 2018. In violation of our nation’s laws, he overstayed his welcome by more than 8 YEARS,” DHS wrote. “NOBODY is above the law, and he will remain in ICE custody pending removal.”
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The agency added: “Being in detention is a choice. We encourage ALL illegal aliens to take control of their departure through our CBP Home App.”
The statement came amid calls from Pirela’s family and supporters for his release.
Pirela’s brother, Jorge Heli Pirela, described him as a “devoted father, a dedicated coach [and] exceptional worker” who has earned the respect of colleagues, players and communities throughout his career.
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“My brother, Oswaldo Pirela, is currently being detained by ICE in El Paso, Texas, after being stopped at the airport while traveling on a work assignment with the San Diego Padres,” Jorge wrote.
Jorge said the family came to the United States after facing persecution in Venezuela and sought asylum through the legal process.
“Oswaldo, like me and other members of our family, was directly affected by persecution from the Venezuelan regime,” he wrote. “We came to the United States seeking safety through the legal process, applied for asylum through the proper channels, and have worked hard to build our lives and become contributing members of American society.”
Jorge also emphasized the impact of Pirela’s detention on his family.
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“Today, his daughters are waiting for their father to come home. His family is waiting for him. His community is standing behind him.”
Pirela lives with his family in Arizona when he is not traveling for his job with the Padres.
Pirela’s wife, Kemberly Avila, told The Athletic that he has a pending asylum application and typically travels with a temporary identification card.
She said he did not have his work permit with him when ICE agents detained him Sunday.
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DHS, however, said a pending application or work authorization does not by itself provide legal immigration status.
The Padres said Monday they were aware of Pirela’s detention and were gathering additional information.
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Pirela, 34, has Texas ties dating to 2009, when he signed with the Texas Rangers organization. He spent three years in the Rangers’ minor league system before moving into coaching and now serves as a minor league catching coordinator for the Padres.