Savannah State baseball player Johan Sandoval has been released from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement custody on Wednesday night according to a report from the Savannah Morning News.
Sandoval, a native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was taken into custody by ICE on July 3 in Clifton Park, New York, where he was staying with his fiancee and her mother. He had just finished his junior year at Savannah State.
Sandoval was named the MVP of the 2026 HBCU Baseball All-Star Game in Kannapolis, North Carolina, in June. In the 2026 season, Sandoval batted .346 with five homers and 51 RBIs and was the only Savannah State player to appear in all 47 games.
According to multiple media reports, Sandoval paid a $20,000 bond prior to being released.
“Our foremost concern has always been Johan’s well-being,” said Dr. Jermaine Whirl, President of Savannah State University, in a statement released by the university Wednesday night. “We are grateful for this positive outcome and look forward to welcoming Johan back to campus. He is a valued member of the Tiger family, and we remain committed to supporting him as he continues his academic journey and competes as a member of our baseball program.”
According to the university’s statement, Savannah State said that it accurately prepared and submitted documentation based on the information provided to the school. The school said the documentation that caused Sandoval’s detention was not provided to Savannah State University.
A GoFundMe campaign titled “Help Bring Johan Home to Finish His Final Year of College” raised $37,176 to help Sandoval resolve his immigration issues.
“Johan was unexpectedly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after issues arose concerning his F-1 student status. We are working diligently with Savannah State University, immigration professionals, and legal counsel to resolve his case and pursue every available legal avenue so that he can continue his education,” Sandoval’s sister, Stacey Sandoval, wrote in the description of the GoFundMe campaign she started on his behalf. “This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional experience for our family. Johan has no criminal history and has spent his time in the United States pursuing his education, serving his community, and striving toward a brighter future.”
Dominican-Born Savannah State Tigers Baseball Player Johan Sandoval Detained By ICE
Photo: Savannah State baseball player Johan Sandoval has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to multiple reports. (Photo courtesy of Savannah State Athletics)
