Georgia Veteran Faces Deportation After 50 Years: Service Matters
An Army veteran from Covington, Georgia, faces imminent deportation after more than 50 years in the United States. Godfrey Wade, originally from Jamaica, is currently in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Despite having lived in the U.S. since 1975, a recent arrest has put his residency status in jeopardy.
Background of Godfrey Wade
Wade came to the United States legally as a teenager. He enlisted in the Army, serving overseas and receiving an honorable discharge. Over the years, he embraced various roles, including chef, tennis coach, and fashion designer.
- Born in Jamaica
- Came to the U.S. in 1975
- Served in the Army and was honorably discharged
- Worked in multiple professions, including cooking and fashion
Recent Legal Troubles
Wade’s deportation risk escalated following an incident on September 13, 2025. He was pulled over in Conyers, Georgia, for failing to signal a turn, leading to an arrest for driving without a license. ICE detained him based on a 2014 removal order linked to a 2007 bounced check and a minor domestic assault charge from 2006.
His attorney clarified that the 2006 incident involved no physical violence and described it as a misunderstanding involving spilled milk.
Family Impact and Legal Appeals
Wade’s family has expressed distress over his detention. His fiancée, April Watkins, highlighted the struggle of being separated after building a life together. Wade’s absence is felt deeply by his six children and three grandchildren.
The family believes Wade’s decades of service should weigh heavily in his favor. Emily Wade, one of his daughters, stated, “Someone’s past mistakes do not define who they are.”
Wade was unaware of his removal order until his arrest due to a missed court notification. His attorney has filed an appeal to reopen his case, citing these procedural issues.
Current Detention Status
Following his arrest, Wade was initially held in Atlanta’s ICE field office, then transferred to the Stewart Detention Center. Recently, he was moved to a facility in Louisiana, where he was placed on a flight manifest for deportation.
Advocacy for Wade
Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle have advocated for Wade, urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reconsider his case. Time is of the essence, as Wade could face deportation within days if DHS does not intervene.
Wade’s family remains hopeful and continues to stand by him. “He is a very strong man of faith,” Watkins said, reflecting on the emotional toll this situation has taken on their lives.
The plight of Godfrey Wade raises critical questions about the treatment of veterans within the immigration system. As they advocate for his release, his family emphasizes the importance of acknowledging his service to the country he has called home for decades.
