A U.S. Army veteran, who has lived in the country for over 50 years, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and now faces deportation. Godfrey Wade came to the U.S. legally from Jamaica and served in the army overseas before being honorably discharged. He was stopped in September 2025 and has been held in detention since then.

Why was Army veteran Godfrey Wade detained by ICE?

On Sept. 13, 2025, Wade was pulled over after failing to stop at a traffic signal. He was arrested for driving without a license and subsequently detained by ICE. His detention was reportedly triggered due to a removal order from 2014.

Wade received a removal order after a bounced check from 2007 and a simple assault charge from 2006. The charge came from an argument during which “a glass of milk was spilled and pots and pans were knocked to the floor. No physical violence was ever alleged,” his attorney said, according to CBS News.

Wade eventually paid the check and related fines. The removal order was reportedly issued after Wade did not show up to a hearing in 2014. The man was not notified of the hearing, and court records show notices sent were returned as undeliverable. 

Wade was first detained at Atlanta’s ICE field office, then transferred to Stewart Detention Center, and was eventually moved to a center in Louisiana.

Wade has not had a hearing because of the 2014 removal order. His attorney filed for an appeal to reopen the case, and members of Congress from both parties have reportedly asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to reopen the case.

“What we are asking for is just that one hearing, that one chance, that one opportunity to be heard,” his fiancée, April Watkins, told CBS News. 

Godfrey Wade could be deported to Jamaica within days 

Wade was placed on a flight manifest to Jamaica this week, per his attorney. He could soon be deported without intervention from DHS.

“You’re on pins and needles because you don’t know what’s going to happen,” Watkins said.

“Am I gonna hear that he’s in Jamaica? Do we need to figure out transportation, figure out clothes for him?” his daughter Christian Wade said. 

Wade legally came to the U.S. in 1975, and he’s been living in the country for decades as a lawful permanent resident. Wade also worked as a chef, tennis coach and fashion designer.

“That was his foundation, and he took pride in it and made us believe in the U.S. Army,” his daughter Emmanuela Wade said. 

The veteran has six children, three grandchildren, and a fiancée. 

“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,” Watkins said. “You’re not from this country, but you serve. You’re willing to die for this country. That should matter.”

“When we say thank you for your service, it should mean something,” Christian added.