Jamaican-Born U.S. Army Veteran Faces Deportation After Five Decades in America

2026-02-06 - 16:07

A Jamaican-born U.S. Army veteran who has lived in the United States for more than 50 years is facing imminent deportation, a move that his family and supporters say ignores decades of military service, community contribution, and family ties. Godfrey Wade, a longtime resident of Covington, Georgia, has been in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody for nearly five months. His attorney confirmed that an emergency stay of removal was denied, though an appeal to reopen his case is now pending. Unless federal authorities intervene, Wade could be deported to Jamaica within days. Wade’s detention has left a deep void in the lives of his fiancée, children, and grandchildren. His fiancée, April Watkins, said the sudden separation has been devastating. “We’ve built an amazing life together,” Watkins said. “To be separated like this is incredibly difficult, especially when he never truly had the opportunity to be heard.” Wade is also missing from the daily lives of his six children and three grandchildren. His daughter, Christian Wade, described the emotional toll on the family, noting that her young daughter cries at night asking for her grandfather. “It’s been an emotional roller coaster,” she said. Wade lawfully entered the United States in 1975 as a teenager and later enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving overseas before receiving an honorable discharge. His daughter Emmanuela Wade said his military service shaped the values he passed on to his family. “That was his foundation,” she said. “He took pride in his service and made us believe in what the U.S. Army stood for.” For decades, Wade lived as a lawful permanent resident, building a life in the U.S. and working across several professions, including as a chef, tennis coach, and fashion designer. His family says his career reflects a deep commitment to the country he has long called home. “He’s dipped his hands in everything that makes America good,” Emmanuela added. Wade’s current legal crisis stems from a traffic stop on September 13, 2025, when he was pulled over in Conyers, Georgia, for failing to use a turn signal and subsequently arrested for driving without a license. ICE later detained him based on a 2014 removal order tied to a 2007 bounced check and a 2006 simple assault charge. According to his attorney, the assault charge arose from a domestic dispute in which no physical violence was alleged. “A glass of milk was spilled, and pots and pans were knocked over,” the attorney said, emphasizing that Wade paid the bounced check and all related fines in full. Family members argue that these decades-old incidents do not reflect the man Wade has been for most of his life. “Someone’s old mistakes do not define who they are,” Christian Wade said. “People need to understand the context and see the humanity behind a few words on paper.” Watkins echoed that sentiment, noting Wade’s strong relationships with his children and even his former spouse. “No one is perfect,” she said. “He took responsibility, made restitution, and built a good life.” Complicating matters, Wade’s attorney said the 2014 removal order was issued after he failed to appear at a hearing he was never notified about. Court records reportedly show that hearing notices sent to an address on file were returned as undeliverable. Wade only learned of the removal order after his arrest last year. Following his detention, Wade was first held at ICE’s Atlanta field office, then transferred to Stewart Detention Center in Georgia, where family members made repeated five-hour round trips to visit him through plexiglass barriers. He has since been moved to the Richwood Correctional Center in Louisiana and was recently placed on a flight manifest to Jamaica. “You’re on pins and needles every day,” Watkins said. “You don’t know if the next call will be telling you he’s already been deported.” ICE has not responded to requests for comment. Its online detainee locator lists Wade as currently in ICE custody in Louisiana. Because the 2014 removal order remains in effect, he has not been granted a new hearing. His legal team has filed an appeal seeking to reopen the case, arguing that Wade deserves the chance to present his full story. “What we are asking for is one hearing, one opportunity to be heard,” Watkins said. According to his attorney, members of Congress from both political parties have written to the Department of Homeland Security urging officials to reconsider the case. Despite his detention, Wade has found ways to remain resilient, spending time drawing portraits of fellow detainees while leaning on his faith. His family says that strength has helped sustain them as they fight for his release. “You’re willing to serve, you’re willing to die for this country,” Watkins said. “That should matter.” “When we say ‘thank you for your service,’” Christian Wade added, “it should mean something.”