Oswaldo José Pirela, a 34-year-old Venezuelan-born catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres' minor-league system, was detained by immigration authorities upon arrival at El Paso International Airport while traveling for work. Pirela lives near Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife and two U.S.-born daughters, previously played in the Texas Rangers' minor-league system after signing in 2009, and has coached for the Padres since 2024. He entered the U.S. in 2014, applied for asylum in 2015 citing fears of persecution over criticism of the Venezuelan government, and has a pending green card application along with a work permit his family says remains valid. DHS said his authorized stay expired in February 2018 and that pending applications or work permits do not confer legal status. His sister, Daniela Pirela, said he has lived in the U.S. for 12 years, and relatives described him as a devoted father, dedicated coach, and man of faith respected by coworkers and players, seeking help from Rep. Abraham Hamadeh. The Padres organization said it was aware of the situation and gathering details. His detention followed a broader ICE practice, begun in July, of using TSA flight lists to identify and detain travelers at airports. Pirela was released from ICE custody on bond on August 24 and reunited with his family, pending removal proceedings.