Kearney Businessman Ordered Deported After 37 Years in U.S.

Despite community support, immigration judge cites criminal record in deportation order

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:21pm

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A Kearney, Nebraska businessman named Carlos Godinez, who has operated a local gyros restaurant for 15 years, has been ordered deported to his native Guatemala despite a courtroom full of supporters and a petition signed by 2,500 people. The immigration judge cited Godinez's misdemeanor criminal record, including a 2018 drug possession charge and past DUI and assault convictions, as the reason for the deportation order.

Why it matters

Godinez's case highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the challenges faced by long-term undocumented residents who have built lives and businesses in their communities. The judge's decision to prioritize Godinez's criminal record over his positive community contributions raises questions about the fairness and discretion used in deportation proceedings.

The details

According to reporting, Godinez left Guatemala for the United States at age 10 and has lived in the country for 37 years. He has operated a popular local gyros restaurant in Kearney for about 15 years. Despite a courtroom filled with supporters and a petition signed by 2,500 people pleading for him to be allowed to stay, an Omaha immigration judge ordered Godinez's deportation back to Guatemala, his country of origin. The judge cited Godinez's misdemeanor criminal record, including a 2018 drug possession charge as well as past DUI and assault convictions, as the reason for the deportation order.

  • Godinez left Guatemala for the U.S. at age 10, 37 years ago.
  • Godinez has operated his gyros restaurant in Kearney for about 15 years.
  • The deportation order was issued by an Omaha immigration judge on April 2, 2026.

The players

Carlos Godinez

A 47-year-old Kearney, Nebraska businessman who has operated a local gyros restaurant for 15 years after immigrating to the U.S. from Guatemala at age 10.

Omaha Immigration Judge

The judge who ordered Godinez's deportation to Guatemala, citing his misdemeanor criminal record.

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What they’re saying

“Despite roughly 2,500 petition signers and a courtroom overflowing with supporters, an Omaha immigration judge ordered the deportation of Carlos Godinez, the owner of Nick's Gyros that he's operated for about 15 years.”

— Ian Mason, Author

What’s next

Godinez's immigration attorney says they plan to appeal the deportation order, arguing that the judge's decision did not properly weigh Godinez's positive community contributions against his criminal record.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by long-term undocumented immigrants who have built lives in the U.S., as immigration enforcement continues to prioritize criminal records over other factors in deportation proceedings. It raises questions about the fairness and discretion used in such decisions, and the impact on immigrant communities.