Attorney: Savannah State player's ICE detention a paperwork error with 'catastrophic consequences'SAVANNAH, Ga. —The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says a Savannah State University baseball player being held in immigration detention overstayed his student visa, while his attorney says the case appears to stem from a bureaucratic error and the university says it remains in close contact with his family and legal team.In an email, DHS said Johan Sandoval’s student visa had expired and that the Dominican Republic native was living in the United States illegally.Sandoval’s attorney, John Jeha, said his client had no reason to believe his immigration status was in jeopardy.“He had no idea that he was in any violation of his immigration status,” said Jeha, senior counsel with Harris Beach Murtha. “From his perspective, everything was fine. His immigration status was fine, and he had no reason to worry.”Attorney points to I-20 issueJeha said Sandoval had held an F-1 student visa since 2022 and believes a problem involving his I-20 paperwork led federal authorities to conclude he was no longer enrolled.“And somewhere along the line, his old I-20 was terminated and a new I-20 was not produced,” Jeha said. “According to the federal government, they had no record of him being enrolled, but he was indeed enrolled at Savannah State University.”Jeha said Sandoval’s academic records show he was enrolled at the university, where he was also a standout baseball player.“This is a minor bureaucratic issue that has led to catastrophic consequences,” Jeha said.University says Sandoval is in good spiritsIn a statement issued Thursday, Savannah State said it has remained in close contact with Sandoval’s family and legal counsel as the case approaches one week since his detention.The university said Sandoval is “in good spirits” and grateful for the prayers, encouragement and support he has received from “Tiger Nation and the broader community.”“As this remains an active legal matter, we are hopeful for a positive resolution and will share updates as we are able,” the statement said.The university also thanked supporters who have kept Sandoval and his family in their thoughts, calling the response “a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of Tiger Nation.”This content is imported from facebook. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Effort underway to secure releaseJeha said Sandoval is not a threat to public safety and should be released while the matter is resolved.“Absolutely not,” Jeha said when asked whether his client posed a danger. “Johan is an outstanding member of the community. There’s no reason for him to be detained.”Jeha said his team has contacted the detention facility and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to request Sandoval’s release on bond. If that effort fails, he said, they plan to file a formal motion in immigration court.“I believe he’s doing well,” Jeha said. “He’d be a lot better if he was released. So that’s the most important thing. Let’s get him out of detention.”A request to expedite Sandoval’s case may also be considered, though Jeha said that would cost $2,000 and would not guarantee an earlier release.