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San Diego Padres catching coordinator Oswaldo Pirela detained by ICE in Texas

nbcsandiego.com · 8h · first reportShare

San Diego Padres catching coordinator Oswaldo José Pirela was detained by immigration authorities in El Paso, Texas , and remained in custody, according to family and ICE detainee records. Sister Daniela Pirela said in a phone interview that her brother, who was raised in Venezuela, was detained at El Paso International Airport at around 5 a.m. Sunday while traveling for work, which she said he does weekly for the Padres. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainee records showed Pirela in custody late Monday. ICE, the Padres and Major League Baseball did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Daniela Pirela said she spoke with her brother briefly but is not truly aware of the conditions he is living in while in detention. “He’s a very strong person and he tries not to worry us,” she said. “He’s going to say he’s OK. That’s what he said.” She said her brother is in the U.S. legally and sought asylum in 2014, when he first arrived in the country. Daniela Pirela said she doesn