DHS posted a tweet Tuesday afternoon referring to Oswaldo Pirela as a “Venezuelan illegal alien,” who the department says was granted permission by the Obama Administration to remain in the United States until Feb. 10, 2018. Pirela remains in ICE custody at the El Paso Processing Center as of Wednesday morning, per the ICE detainee locator system, and Homeland Security said Tuesday Pirela faces potential removal from the United States. 

“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’ tweet reads. “NOBODY is above the law, and he will remain in ICE custody pending removal.
 
“Being in detention is a choice. We encourage ALL illegal aliens to take control of their departure through our CBP Home App.”

DHS’ tweet Tuesday follows online pleas for Pirela’s release and endorsements of his character. Jorge Heli Pirela, Oswaldo’s brother, called Oswaldo a “devoted father, a dedicated coach [and] exceptional worker,” a man who’s earned “the respect of his coworkers, former managers, employers, players, and the communities he has been part of.”

“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. “Oswaldo, like me and other members of our family, was directly affected by persecution from the Venezuelan regime. 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.

“Today, his daughters are waiting for their father to come home. His family is waiting for him. His community is standing behind him.”

Pirela hopes to return to his family in Arizona, where he resides when not traveling for his job with the Padres. 

Kemberly Avila, Oswaldo’s wife, told The Athletic that Pirela has a pending asylum application, and he typically carries a temporary ID card (Oswaldo did not have his work permit on his person at the time of Sunday’s arrest). But DHS says work authorization or a pending application do not confer legal status in the United States.

The Padres said Monday they are aware of Pirela’s detainment and are working to gather further information. MLB has yet to comment on Pirela’s detainment, though the Major League Baseball Players Association offered guidance to its foreign players Tuesday. 

“A significant percentage of the guys who play in the major and minor leagues are born outside the United States,” the MLBPA told The Athletic. “We continue to support them and their families by working closely with immigration experts to make sure they have what they need to remain in the country safely, and to make sure they carry proper documentation while traveling.”