Pirela, 34, was initially detained around 5 a.m. Sunday morning, while traveling for his job as the minor-league catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres. The Padres’ Triple-A affiliate is based in El Paso, and Pirela planned to fly home to his family in Arizona before his detainment.
Pirela has resided in the United States since 2014, per NBC News, where he sought asylum after leaving his home country of Venezuela.
“Oswaldo, like me and other members of our family, was directly affected by persecution from the Venezuelan regime,” Oswaldo’s brother Jorge Heli Pirela posted on Instagram on Monday. “He 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.
“Anyone who knows Oswaldo knows the kind of person he is. He is a devoted father, a dedicated coach, an exceptional worker, and someone who has earned the respect of his coworkers, former managers, employers, players, and the communities he has been part of. Today, his daughters are waiting for their father to come home. His family is waiting for him. His community is standing behind him.”
Pirela was in the Texas Rangers‘ farm system for three years, beginning in 2009, playing each season in the Dominican Summer League. He joined the Padres organization as a coach beginning in 2024.
The Padres confirmed they were aware of Pirelas’ detainment in a statement released early Tuesday. The organization said they are working to gather information but have no further comment as of Tuesday.