Savannah State baseball player detained by ICE; family seeks answers

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Savannah State University baseball player is being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Johan Sandoval, a second baseman for Savannah State, was detained by ICE on Friday. H had been playing for a summer league in Albany. He was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States in 2021 to play baseball and pursue a college education. He is the only one of his seven siblings without U.S. citizenship.

Visa issue cited, but details unclear

His sisters, Stacey and Melissa Sandoval, said the detention involved an issue with his student visa and his transfer to Savannah State.

“We don’t really have the full scope of where the lapse or what happened in regards to his transfers to the universities,” Stacey Sandoval said.

Stacey said the news was difficult for family members in the Dominican Republic as well.

“As far as for the relatives back in the Dominican Republic, it was devastating news for them to see everything come to a crashing halt in the way that it has — it was very jarring for them, it was unexpected,” she said.

GoFundMe launched to cover legal costs

To help cover attorney fees and legal expenses, the family launched a GoFundMe. More than $12,000 has been donated.

Melissa Sandoval said her brother was emotional when he learned about the fundraising effort.

“He did choke up a little bit even when I was telling him ‘this is what we’ve raised,’” she said.

Savannah State president expresses support

The family said support from Savannah State University has provided some relief, including conversations with President Jermaine Whirl.

“He noted how much he respects Johan as a student-athlete, how proudly he has carried the tigers on and off the field and how he is an important member of the community,” Melissa Sandoval said.

ICE has not responded

ICE has not responded to questions about why Sandoval was detained or his current immigration status.

Despite the uncertainty, his sisters said they remain hopeful.

“We still think ‘this is still going to be a thing, he’s still going to go back to school’ — we’re still trying to be as optimistic as possible,” Stacey Sandoval said.

Stacey noted that baseball has been central to her brother’s life since childhood.

“Since he was a little boy he always had a passion for baseball and that has always been his dream,” she said.