08/25/26 06:11:00
Printable Page
08/25 18:09 CDT San Diego Padres minor league coach is released from ICE
custody, family says
San Diego Padres minor league coach is released from ICE custody, family says
By LAURA TURBAY
Associated Press/Report for America
A San Diego Padres minor league coaching coordinator who was detained by
federal immigration officers in Texas has been released on bond, his family
said Tuesday.
Oswaldo Pirela, who is from Venezuela and lives in Arizona, was back home with
his family following his release on Monday, his sister Daniela Pirela said. The
Padres also confirmed that Pirela, a catching coordinator in their minor league
system, was no longer in custody.
"We are pleased that Oswaldo Pirela has been released on bond and reunited with
his family. Out of respect for his privacy and the ongoing matter, we will have
no further comment at this time," the team said in a statement.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Pirela at the El Paso
International Airport during a work trip on Aug. 16. The Padres have a minor
league affiliate team in the city, the El Paso Chihuahuas.
The Department of Homeland Security has previously said Pirela came to the U.S.
legally in 2014 and "overstayed his welcome" after 2018. His family has
disputed Homeland Security's account and says Pirela had applied for asylum and
obtained work permits.
DHS did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Tuesday.
Pirela had a brief minor-league playing career as a catcher in the Texas
Rangers organization.
___
Turbay is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse
News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program
that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
|
