Georgia Army Veteran Deported to Jamaica After 50 Years in U.S.

Godfrey Wade's family fights to bring him back as his appeal remains pending.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Godfrey Wade, a Georgia Army veteran who had lived in the U.S. for over 50 years, was deported to Jamaica despite having an active appeal. Wade's family and attorneys are now working to reopen his case and bring him back to the U.S., arguing that his case was never fully heard.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the deportation of long-term U.S. residents, even those with military service, and the challenges they face in navigating the immigration system, especially when facing removal orders they were unaware of.

The details

Wade came to the U.S. lawfully in 1975 as a teenager, served in the Army, and later worked as a chef, tennis coach, and fashion designer. In 2025, he was pulled over for a minor traffic violation and arrested for driving without a license, leading to his detention by ICE due to a 2014 removal order stemming from a 2007 bounced check and a 2006 simple assault charge that his attorney says involved no physical violence.

  • In 1975, Wade came to the U.S. lawfully as a teenager.
  • In 2025, Wade was pulled over and arrested, leading to his ICE detention.
  • In early 2026, Wade was deported to Jamaica despite having an active appeal.

The players

Godfrey Wade

A Georgia Army veteran who had lived in the U.S. for over 50 years before being deported to Jamaica.

Emmanuela Wade

Godfrey Wade's daughter, who is fighting to bring her father back to the U.S.

April Watkins

Godfrey Wade's fiancée, who has described his detainment as an "emotional roller coaster."

David Scott

A Georgia U.S. Representative who formally requested that the Department of Homeland Security halt Wade's deportation until his case could be heard in court.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The agency that detained and deported Wade despite his pending appeal.

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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 (CBS News Atlanta)

“Mr. Wade served this country honorably and was entitled to due process. His deportation is a continuation of the Trump Administration's punitive and cruel immigration tactics, and I will continue pressing DHS for accountability.”

— David Scott, Georgia U.S. Representative (CBS News Atlanta)

“We are trusting in the justice system of my beloved country, the United States of America, that I loved so much and served.”

— Godfrey Wade (CNN)

What’s next

Wade's attorney says an emergency stay of the removal was denied, but an appeal remains pending. The family and their representatives continue to fight to bring Wade back to the U.S. and ensure his case is fully heard.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges long-term U.S. residents, even those with military service, can face in navigating the immigration system, and the need for greater protections and due process for individuals facing deportation.