‘I have not done anything wrong,’ Savannah State athlete says after ICE detention, release
Johan Sandoval was detained in New York in July and spent nearly two weeks in an ICE detention center. Now out on bond, he is speaking about his experience and what comes next in his immigration case.
SAVANNAH, Ga. —
Nearly two months after being detained during a traffic stop in New York, Savannah State University student-athlete Johan Sandoval is speaking publicly about the experience and the uncertainty surrounding his immigration case.
Sandoval entered the United States in 2022 on a nonimmigrant student visa. He spent about two weeks in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center after his July detention and has since been released on bond.
ICE said Sandoval’s visa was terminated in April 2025 after he allegedly failed to comply with its requirements.
The detention came as a shock to Sandoval, who said he did not initially understand what was happening. He learned more about the circumstances of his case after speaking with his attorney.
Sandoval believes the situation may have stemmed from an administrative error. He pointed to his status as a full-time student and said he had been following the requirements within his control, including matters involving documentation and transfers.
Through the uncertainty, Sandoval said his faith remained a constant source of strength.
He has also become focused on other international students who may be concerned about their immigration status.
Sandoval urged students to continue their education, communicate with their designated school officials, and make sure they understand their status and documentation.
When asked whether he would consider self-deporting, Sandoval said he would not. He maintains that he has not done anything wrong and plans to continue fighting his case.
For now, Sandoval remains out on bond while his immigration case is under investigation.
A GoFundMe campaign has been announced to help cover Sandoval’s legal expenses during the proceedings. Information about the fundraiser is available at WJCL.com.