Covington Army Veteran Faces Deportation After 50 Years in U.S.

Veteran's family says "Thank you for your service" should mean something.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:07pm

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Godfrey Wade, a Jamaican-born Army veteran who has lived in the U.S. for over 50 years, is facing imminent deportation after being detained by ICE for nearly five months. Wade's family and attorney are fighting to reopen his case and prevent his removal to Jamaica, arguing his decades of military service and community ties should be taken into account.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex and often controversial issues surrounding immigration, military service, and the treatment of long-term U.S. residents who face deportation despite deep ties to the country. It raises questions about how the U.S. values the service and sacrifice of non-citizen veterans.

The details

Wade came to the U.S. lawfully in 1975 as a teenager, enlisted in the Army, served overseas, and was honorably discharged. He lived as a lawful permanent resident for decades, working as a chef, tennis coach, and fashion designer. Wade's path to deportation began with a 2014 removal order stemming from a 2007 bounced check and a 2006 simple assault charge, which his attorney says involved a domestic argument with no physical violence. Wade paid the related fines in full, but was unaware of the removal order until his arrest in 2026 for driving without a license.

  • Wade was taken into ICE custody nearly five months ago.
  • Wade was recently moved to a detention center in Louisiana and was placed on a flight manifest to Jamaica this week.

The players

Godfrey Wade

A Jamaican-born Army veteran who has lived in the U.S. for over 50 years and is facing imminent deportation.

April Watkins

Godfrey Wade's fiancée, who says they have built an amazing life together and the prospect of being separated is very challenging.

Christian Wade

Godfrey Wade's daughter, who described the emotional toll on her family and her young daughter who cries at night for her grandfather.

Emmanuela Wade

Godfrey Wade's daughter, who said the Army was his foundation and he took pride in it, making the family believe in the U.S. Army.

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What they’re saying

“We've built an amazing life together, and to be separated from that is very challenging, especially since he did not have an opportunity to have his voice heard.”

— April Watkins, Godfrey Wade's fiancée

“It's been an emotional roller coaster.”

— Christian Wade, Godfrey Wade's daughter

“That was his foundation, and he took pride in it and made us believe in the U.S. Army.”

— Emmanuela Wade, Godfrey Wade's daughter

“Someone's old mistakes does not define who they are. Understand the context. There's more to a story than just four words, and people need to see the humanity of the person.”

— Christian Wade, Godfrey Wade's daughter

“What we are asking for is just that one hearing, that one chance, that one opportunity to be heard.”

— April Watkins, Godfrey Wade's fiancée

What’s next

Wade's attorney has filed an appeal asking for his case to be reopened. If the Department of Homeland Security does not intervene, Wade could be deported within days.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding immigration, military service, and the treatment of long-term U.S. residents who face deportation despite their deep ties to the country. It raises questions about how the U.S. values the service and sacrifice of non-citizen veterans, and whether 'thank you for your service' should truly mean something.