Johan Sandoval, a standout baseball player at Savannah State University, is reportedly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Sandoval, an international student from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has built an impressive résumé during his time at SSU. Competing on a full athletic scholarship, he earned All-SIAC honors in both 2025 and 2026.
He most recently made headlines after being named MVP of the HBCU Baseball All-Star Game in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
But now, his future—and his final year of college—hangs in the balance after he was detained on July 3.
Visa issues at center of arrest
According to The Current GA, Sandoval was detained by ICE in Clifton Park, New York. Sandoval was staying with his girlfriend, U.S. citizen Adriana Wade, the news outlet reported.
Sandoval was leaving the apartment complex for the gym when ICE agents reportedly stopped him and blocked his car, Wade, 21, told The Current GA. When Sandoval ran back inside to tell Wade and her mother what was happening, ICE agents followed him to the front door.
Although Sandoval presented the immigration agents all his documents, Sandoval lost his state ID during the encounter, she said.
DHS officials told The Current GA that Sandoval, who entered the country on a student visa in 2022, was arrested because he failed to adhere to the requirements of his student visa that was terminated last April.
Sandoval is expected to remain detained pending court removal proceedings.
Family seeks help to fight for Sandoval’s release
In a message shared through a GoFundMe effort started by relatives, deep concern was expressed over his situation. They are seeking financial assistance to help cover legal representation, potential immigration bond costs, court fees, and basic living expenses while his case unfolds.
The campaign has raised $9,000 in donations towards a $12,000 goal as of Monday afternoon.
Support has also been echoed by One SSU, a social media-based community group, which first brought attention to Sandoval’s situation. According to the group, university leadership is aware of and involved in the issue.
“Dr. (Jermaine) Whirl (the school’s president) is aware and engaged, and he is actively working with the student’s family and immigration attorney to ensure a safe release,” the group stated.
Savannah State University, however, has not publicly confirmed details about the case. In a statement to WSAV-TV in Georgia, a university spokesperson cited privacy laws as the reason for limited comment.
“Unfortunately, we are unable to provide information regarding current or former students due to federal privacy laws and university policy,” the statement read. The university also clarified that One SSU is not an official institutional organization.
Trump administration ramping up immigration arrests
Sandoval’s detainment comes amid a sharp increase in ICE arrests, which climbed in June to roughly 39,000 after settling around 30,000 per month since February, according to The Associated Press.
The new reported goal for immigration authorities is to arrest at least 2,000 per day, ABC News reported.
“Johan is more than a student-athlete,” his sister, Melissa, wrote. “He is a son, a brother, a mentor, and someone who has dedicated himself to becoming the first generation in our family to achieve many of his dreams through higher education.”
