Savannah State baseball standout Johan Sandoval is hoping to return to the diamond after spending nearly two weeks in federal immigration detention, with his attorney arguing the case stemmed from an administrative error rather than criminal wrongdoing.
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Sandoval, a 22-year-old student-athlete from the Dominican Republic, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on July 3 while visiting New York, per WJCL.
The Department of Homeland Security said Sandoval entered the United States on a student visa in 2022 and that the visa was terminated in April 2025 after he failed to comply with its requirements.
His attorney, John Jeha, disputes that characterization, saying the issue resulted from paperwork tied to Sandoval's transfer from Bryant & Stratton College to Savannah State.
"It's a bureaucratic mistake that has resulted in catastrophic consequences," Jeha told The Current.
According to the attorney, Sandoval's required student documentation was never properly transferred after he enrolled at Savannah State on a baseball scholarship. The university has since issued new paperwork, which Jeha believes should help resolve the case through the immigration system.
Sandoval played every game for Savannah State during the 2026 season and was named MVP of this summer's HBCU All-Star Game.
A federal judge later granted Sandoval bond, allowing his release while his immigration case continues. He is currently required to wear an ankle monitor and is staying with family in New York.
Speaking to WJCL after his release, Sandoval said he had no idea there was an issue with his immigration status before ICE agents detained him.
"From my perspective, I was doing everything right," he said.
Sandoval said he hopes to return to Savannah State and resume both his studies and baseball career as the legal process moves forward.
