El Paso, TX 9KKOB) – The minor league catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres who was arrested at the El Paso airport is now free after being released from ICE custody on Monday following a bond hearing. Oswaldo Pirela, was in El Paso working with the Padres minor league team, the Chihuahuas, when he was arrested at the airport. DHS says removal proceedings are still pending.
According to DHS, Pirela entered the United States legally in 2014, and was authorized to remain in the country until Feb. 10, 2018. HSI alleges that he overstayed that date and did not possess documentation establishing current lawful immigration status when he was approached by federal officers. His family disputes what ICE is reporting, saying he had applied for asylum and received employment authorizations they claim ICE is not being transparent in its information.
