Supporters rally behind Savannah State baseball standout Johan Sandoval as immigration case continues

Supporters are rallying behind Savannah State University baseball standout Johan Sandoval, who is working to continue his education and athletic career while navigating an ongoing immigration case.

Sandoval, a 22‑year‑old student‑athlete from the Dominican Republic, spent 13 days in federal immigration detention after what his attorney and family describe as a paperwork problem tied to his student status.

His lawyer says Sandoval has been in the United States legally since 2022 on a student visa.

What Happened To Johan Sandoval?

Sandoval said he was on his way to the gym early July 3 when ICE agents pulled him over. “I look around, I was like, is this really me that you guys looking for?” he said. “’Cause I got really surprised ’cause I didn’t know what was going on.”

He said agents asked for his documentation, and he provided his I‑20 student visa paperwork. They then asked for his passport, which he did not have with him. Sandoval said agents told him to go home to get it — and followed him there. He was then taken to an ICE facility outside Buffalo.

Community Raises Thousands to Support Legal Fight

Sandoval was taken into custody during a targeted ICE operation in New York. His family launched a GoFundMe that raised more than $37,000 to cover legal fees and bond expenses.

A federal immigration judge later granted him a $20,000 bond, allowing him to leave custody while his case proceeds.

His attorney said the detention stemmed from an administrative error involving his student‑visa transfer from Bryant & Stratton College to Savannah State University. The attorney noted the mistake was not Sandoval’s fault.

Sandoval’s visa was terminated after his previous school failed to successfully issue a new Form I‑20, leaving him vulnerable to detention despite being an active student on full scholarship.

Star Player Focused on Returning to Campus

Sandoval had recently earned Most Valuable Player honors at the 2026 HBCU Baseball All‑Star Game, making his detention especially shocking for supporters.

He told WJCL that the experience left him shaken. “I still have the thought that somebody is going to come get me again,” he said. He described sleeping on the floor during his first days in custody and said he tried to stay cooperative throughout the arrest.

Even so, Sandoval said he remains focused on baseball. “I never give up, ’cause they’re never gonna kill the dream; just the sky is the limit,” he said.

The outpouring of community support will help cover legal expenses as Sandoval works to resolve his case. His attorney continues efforts to reinstate his student visa, and Sandoval is staying with his fiancée’s family in New York while awaiting next steps.

Despite the uncertainty, Sandoval said he remains focused on school, baseball and returning to campus as soon as possible.