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The Savannah State athlete says he still worries immigration agents will return for him as he fights to resolve his immigration case.
Johan Sandoval, the 22-year-old Savannah State University baseball player is speaking out after nearly two weeks in ICE custody, describing the fear that has followed him home while his immigration case remains unresolved.
The HBCU student was released on a $20,000 bond July 15 and must wear an ankle monitor. He is staying with his fiancée’s family in New York as the case continues, HBCU Gameday reported.
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“In my mind, I still have the thought that somebody is going to come get me again,” Sandoval said in his first detailed public account since his detention drew national attention.
ICE detained the Dominican Republic native July 3 while he was driving to a gym in Clifton Park, New York. Sandoval said a truck pulled in front of his vehicle before two armed agents approached. He maintains that he followed their instructions, provided his immigration documents and remained cooperative.
ICE has offered a different account, alleging that Sandoval tried to flee on foot. He disputes that claim and said he did not know immigration agents were looking for him.
Sandoval recounts ICE detention by describing the first days in federal custody as especially difficult. He said he slept on the floor and did not fully understand why he had been detained until his attorney explained the dispute involving his student immigration record.
His attorney argues that Sandoval stayed enrolled full time, attended classes, met his academic requirements and played baseball, but could not personally update the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Savannah State said it submitted the required documentation based on the information it received and did not receive records central to the dispute from his previous institution.
The case follows broader uncertainty for international students whose immigration status has been terminated with little notice. Sandoval transferred to Savannah State after earning an associate degree from Bryant & Stratton College.
Weeks before his detention, he was named MVP of the 2026 Minority Baseball Prospects HBCU All-Star Game. He went 2-for-2 with an RBI double, one run and a stolen base while helping the National League team earn a 6-2 victory.
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