Georgia Army Veteran Deported to Jamaica Seeks Hearing to Reopen Case

Family and attorney urge Board of Immigration Appeals to review deportation case of Godfrey Wade, who served 4 years in the Army.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Godfrey Wade, a Georgia Army veteran who was deported to Jamaica after a routine traffic stop, is now seeking to have his case reopened before the Board of Immigration Appeals. Wade's attorney says a court order on a separate legal matter prevented him from getting a hearing before an immigration judge, and they are pursuing congressional and legal avenues to bring him back to the U.S.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges faced by some U.S. military veterans who are not citizens, as they can still be subject to deportation even after serving their country. It also raises questions about due process and whether all individuals, including veterans, are receiving fair hearings before being removed from the country.

The details

During a routine traffic stop, Godfrey Wade was found to be driving on a suspended license and with an expired Green Card. Despite his military service, he was deported to Jamaica, a country he had not lived in since childhood over 50 years ago. Wade's attorney says a court order on a separate legal matter prevented him from getting a hearing before an immigration judge, and they are now pursuing congressional and legal avenues to reopen the case and bring Wade back to the U.S.

  • In 2026, Godfrey Wade was deported to Jamaica after a routine traffic stop.

The players

Godfrey Wade

A Georgia Army veteran who served 4 years on active duty in the 1980s and was deported to Jamaica after a traffic stop.

Tony Kozycki

The attorney representing Godfrey Wade, who is pursuing multiple avenues to reopen Wade's case and allow him to return to the U.S.

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What they’re saying

“We just need one hearing, one opportunity, one chance to be heard. It doesn't have to be a day. It could be one hour. Just so somebody can say, 'Hey, let's pick this apart. Let's see if his offenses are actually deemed deportable.'”

— Godfrey Wade (CBS News Atlanta)

“We are actively engaging with members of Congress. There is a mechanism in our system that would allow an extraordinary case just like this one to be recognized. We are pursuing a private bill that would allow this case to be reopened so that this United States Army veteran can get his day in court.”

— Tony Kozycki, Attorney (CBS News Atlanta)

What’s next

Wade's attorney is pursuing multiple avenues, including engaging with members of Congress and pursuing a private bill, to reopen Wade's case and allow him to return to the U.S.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges faced by some U.S. military veterans who are not citizens, as they can still be subject to deportation even after serving their country. It raises questions about due process and whether all individuals, including veterans, are receiving fair hearings before being removed from the country.