Georgia Veteran Faces Deportation After ICE Detention

Godfrey Wade, a 65-year-old Army veteran who has lived in the United States for over 52 years, is currently facing deportation after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Wade has spent the past three months in the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, following an incident where he was pulled over for failing to use a turn signal. Upon being stopped, police discovered that Wade did not possess a valid driver’s license and was not documented as a citizen.

Wade, originally from Jamaica, joined the Army in the mid-1970s and served with the 7th Infantry Division in Germany, earning commendations for his service. After leaving the military, he pursued various careers, including roles as a fashion designer, master tailor, tennis coach, and chef. At the time of his arrest, he was working at the Georgia Capitol Café. Both Wade and his fiancée, April Watkins, had been in the process of applying for legal citizenship prior to his detention.

“We had an attorney, but it’s a very expensive endeavor; the cost is astronomical,” Watkins stated. “Still, he did make the effort. We did a lot of things to make sure this day would not come, and yet here we are.”

Wade expressed disbelief at the prospect of being deported. “For 52 years I’ve lived in this country and raised my children, worked hard, paid my taxes,” he said. “A lot of the processes of immigration I didn’t know about. I’m learning more while I’m in here.”

Conditions in Detention

Wade’s experience in the detention facility has been challenging. He reported sleeping on a makeshift bed on the floor for nearly two weeks due to overcrowding. “We don’t have any bunk space,” he explained. “We’re given what we call boats, and those are placed on the floor with a two-inch mat.”

The conditions have raised serious concerns; Wade noted that the facility has only two working urinals for around 80 detainees, and he often has to navigate around sewage on the ground to access basic sanitation. Records from the Office of Detention Oversight (ODO) indicate that the Stewart Detention Center has multiple deficiencies, including health and safety issues. According to a report by 11Alive, the facility fails to meet the required detainee-to-toilet ratio of 12-to-1.

Attempts to obtain comments from CoreCivic, the contractor that operates the detention center, have not yielded responses as of December 8, 2025.

Legal Protections and Family Impact

Historically, undocumented veterans have had some legal protections against deportation. A directive from the Biden administration in 2022 instructed ICE agents to weigh a veteran’s status before pursuing deportation for individuals without violent criminal records. In light of ongoing concerns, over 60 Democratic Congressmembers, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, have called for transparency regarding veterans who have been deported or detained.

Despite these efforts, a memo from Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia indicated that the Department of Defense would not be able to provide a list of deported veterans by the promised deadlines. As of the latest updates, no comprehensive list of detained veterans has been made public.

Wade’s family has experienced emotional strain due to his detention. He has six children and three grandchildren, and visiting him has been difficult for them. His daughter, Christian, described the experience as overwhelming. “It’s been hard trying to communicate why granddad is not available,” she said. “We typically see him every weekend. He doesn’t want them to see him behind that plexiglass.”

Despite the turmoil, Wade remains hopeful. “If I didn’t believe this country is still great, I wouldn’t want to stay here,” he declared. “I shed my blood for this country. I can live with myself if I just have a day in court so somebody can hear my story.”

Yet, Wade is still awaiting a court hearing to present his case. “I was told through my attorney that they’re waiting for a deportation,” he said. “I haven’t gone to see a judge. They’re saying that my situation is final.”

The uncertainty surrounding his status and the possibility of deportation to Jamaica weigh heavy on Wade and his family. Watkins hopes the situation will lead to renewed protections for non-citizen veterans. “If you served this country, you deserve a chance to stay in this country,” she emphasized. “That is the hope for not only him but for any veteran who sits in a detention center.”

Wade’s case highlights ongoing issues within the immigration system, particularly concerning the treatment of veterans who have served the nation.