Minor league baseball coach released from ICE custody

The minor league baseball coach arrested by immigration authorities last week was released on bond Monday, according to his employer, the San Diego Padres.

“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 obtained by The Associated Press .

His family also confirmed his release to the outlet.

Pirela, an immigrant from Venezuela, was originally detained at El Paso International Airport while attempting to return to the Phoenix area, where he and his family live.

His relatives say he’s applied for asylum and has been granted multiple work authorizations while living in the United States.

However, the Department of Homeland Security has said work authorizations do not confer legal status, which is a similar stance it has taken to arrest migrants who lack permanent legal status.

Immigration authorities say Pirela was released on bond pending removal proceedings.

Pirela does not have a criminal record, according to his family, and has worked with the Padres organization since January 2024, as outlined in his LinkedIn profile.

He also worked as a bench coach with San Diego’s Single-A affiliate, the Lake Elsinore Storm, in 2024 and was a catcher in the Texas Rangers’ minor league system from 2009-11.