Georgia Military Veteran Deported to Jamaica Fights For Return

[ad_1] by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman February 12, 2026

A September 2025 visitors cease turned his American dream right into a nightmare.

A military veteran from Georgia is combating for his return to the US after being deported to Jamaica.

The retired serviceman, named Godfrey Wade, had lived in America for many years earlier than ICE brokers took him into custody. He remained underneath ICE custody till officers deported him to Jamaica. Now, his household has filed an attraction over the matter, citing that he lawfully belongs within the U.S.

In keeping with CBS Information, a visitors cease initially prompted this headline-making immigration case. He first arrived within the U.S. underneath a authorized standing in 1975, promptly becoming a member of the military to serve his new nation. His household referred to as it his “basis,” as he took nice pleasure in his service, as his daughter, Emmanuela Wade, said.

After receiving an honorable discharge, the military veteran took on new jobs as a coach, a dressmaker, and even a chef. Throughout the a long time, he constructed a life in Georgia along with his rising household, together with a fiancée, six youngsters, and three grandchildren. Nonetheless, a September 2025 visitors cease turned his American dream right into a nightmare.

After a Conyers officer pulled him over for failing to make use of a flip sign, the cop promptly arrested him for driving with no license. This unlucky stroke of luck spiraled into extra authorized bother.

ICE later turned concerned, detaining him over a 2014 removing order, particularly concerning a 2007 bounced test and a easy assault cost from a yr prior. Wade assured them that the assault was nonviolent, with the bounced test additionally resolved.

Regardless of his assertions, beforehand lined by BLACK ENTERPRISE, his deportation got here to fruition. ICE officers said that Wade by no means appeared for a listening to on the removing order. Nonetheless, the listening to notices went to an handle deemed undeliverable, and Wade’s attorneys said that he by no means knew of the order.

Now, Wade’s family members proceed to struggle for some decision and his return to the nation all of them name house. Nonetheless, they've met resistance from ICE and elected officers concerning the proposed reversal of his deportation.

We’ve constructed a tremendous life collectively, and to be separated from that could be very difficult, particularly since he didn't have a possibility to have his voice heard,” Wade’s fiancée, April Watkins, advised CBS Information Atlanta.

Though Wade’s protection sought an emergency keep of the removing, the movement was denied. In gentle of the justice problem, Georgia U.S. Rep. David Scott has additionally concerned himself within the case.

Scott’s workplace had submitted a proper request to the Division of Homeland Safety to halt the deportation. In a press release, he urged that Wade remained “entitled” to due course of, particularly given his service to the U.S. navy.

“Nonetheless, DHS deported Mr. Wade to Jamaica and didn't notify my workplace till 4 days later,” Scott stated in a press release. “Mr. Wade served this nation honorably and was entitled to due course of. His deportation is a continuation of the Trump Administration’s punitive and merciless immigration techniques, and I'll proceed urgent DHS for accountability.”

As his household goes by way of the appeals course of, the military veteran has saved his religion within the U.S. justice system.

“We're trusting within the justice system of my beloved nation, the US of America, that I cherished a lot and served,” shared Wade to CNN as he at present stays in Jamaica.