A San Diego Padres minor league coaching coordinator detained in Texas by federal immigration authorities has been released on bond, according to statements from his family on Tuesday.
Venezuelan-born Oswaldo Pirela, an Arizona resident who works as a catching coordinator in the team’s minor league system, returned home to his relatives on Monday, his sister Daniela Pirela confirmed. The Padres also verified that he is no longer in custody.
In a statement, the team said, "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."
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.
Deniela said her 34-year-old brother has lived in the U.S. for 12 years and has followed the law. She said he applied for asylum in 2015 and lives in Peoria, Arizona, with his wife and two children, ages 9 and 4, who are both U.S. citizens.
“Since he arrived in this country, the only thing he’s done is follow the rules of this country and do things properly,” Daniela told The Associated Press.
His family told NBC News that he came to the U.S. from Venezuela and sought asylum but was unaware of why his case had taken so long to process.
Oswaldo’s brother, Jorge Heli Pirela, wrote in an Instagram post, "My brother is not a criminal. He is a son, a brother, a coach, a worker, and a man who came to this country seeking protection after our family suffered persecution in Venezuela. He followed the asylum process, built a life here, worked hard, contributed to his community, and was traveling for work when ICE detained him. We are asking for one thing: due process and justice."
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.
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