Nebraska Restaurateur Ordered Deported After 37 Years in U.S.

Carlos Godinez, who owns a popular Kearney restaurant, must return to Guatemala despite community support.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:07pm

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An Omaha immigration judge has ordered Carlos Godinez, a 47-year-old Kearney, Nebraska restaurateur who has lived in the U.S. since age 10, to be deported back to his native Guatemala. Despite a petition signed by 2,500 supporters and a packed courtroom of family and friends, the judge cited Godinez's past misdemeanor criminal record as the reason for the deportation order.

Why it matters

Godinez's case highlights the challenges many immigrants face in the U.S., even those who have built successful lives and businesses. His deportation order comes despite his deep ties to the Nebraska community, where he has operated a popular restaurant for 15 years and is known for his community involvement and volunteer work.

The details

Godinez came to the U.S. from Guatemala at age 10 with his mother to join his father. He has lived in the country for 37 years but never obtained legal permanent residency. The immigration judge ordered his deportation due to his criminal record, which includes a 2018 marijuana possession charge, two DUI convictions in 2022 and 2024, and a 2020 domestic assault arrest. Godinez's attorney said these were relatively minor offenses that should not outweigh the positive contributions he has made to his community.

  • Godinez was taken into custody by ICE agents on March 11, 2026.
  • The deportation order was issued by an Omaha immigration judge on April 1, 2026.

The players

Carlos Godinez

A 47-year-old Kearney, Nebraska restaurateur who has lived in the U.S. since age 10 and owns a popular restaurant called Nick's Gyros, but was ordered deported back to his native Guatemala.

Rose Godinez

Carlos Godinez's sister, who is a private attorney and formerly led the civil rights and immigration legal team at the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska.

Judge Abby Meyer

The Omaha immigration judge who ordered Carlos Godinez's deportation.

Rachel Yamamoto

The immigration attorney representing Carlos Godinez.

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What they’re saying

“We feel quite a bit of anxiety not knowing what comes next. He can't wait to see and hug his kids, even if it's on the other side of the border.”

— Rose Godinez, Carlos Godinez's sister

“He told them, 'I'm an entrepreneur. I'm going to build my life again in Guatemala. This is not the end, I will see you again.'”

— Carlos Godinez

“Taken in context, his life has been overwhelmingly a positive one. He has definitely contributed more to his community than he has taken from it with these minor criminal charges.”

— Rachel Yamamoto, Immigration attorney

What’s next

Godinez's attorney said he did not want to remain detained for months to battle the deportation order through an appeal, so he will be returning to Guatemala in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the difficult choices and uncertain futures facing many immigrants in the U.S., even those who have built successful lives and businesses. Despite Godinez's deep ties to the Nebraska community and support from thousands of residents, his past criminal record ultimately outweighed the positive contributions he has made, leading to his deportation order.