COVINGTON, Ga. — A Covington Army veteran who has lived in the United States for more than five decades is facing imminent deportation, sparking an emotional outcry from his family and supporters who say his military service and long-standing ties to the community should matter.
Godfrey Wade, a Jamaican-born U.S. Army veteran, has been in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody for nearly five months. His attorney confirmed that an emergency stay of removal was recently denied, though an appeal to reopen his case is still pending. Without intervention, Wade could be deported within days.
Loved ones say Wade’s absence has left a deep void in their lives. He shares a home with his fiancée, April Watkins, who says the sudden separation has been devastating. The couple had built a life together in Covington, and Watkins says Wade never had the opportunity to present his case before a judge.
“We’ve built an amazing life together, and to be separated from that is very challenging,” Watkins said. “Especially since he did not have an opportunity to have his voice heard.”
Wade is also missing from the lives of his six children and three grandchildren. His daughter, Christian Wade, described the emotional toll on the family, including her own young daughter who cries at night for her grandfather.
“It’s been an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “Someone’s old mistakes do not define who they are. There’s more to a story than just a few words on paper.”
Wade came to the United States lawfully in 1975 as a teenager. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army, served overseas, and was honorably discharged. His children say his military service shaped their upbringing and instilled pride in the country he chose to serve.
“That was his foundation,” said his daughter Emmanuela Wade. “He took pride in his service and made us believe in the values of the U.S. Army.”
For decades, Wade lived as a lawful permanent resident, working in a variety of professions including as a chef, tennis coach, and fashion designer. His family describes him as creative, hardworking, and deeply involved in his children’s lives.
Wade’s path toward deportation began on Sept. 13, when he was pulled over in Conyers for failing to use a turn signal. During the stop, he was arrested for driving without a license. Shortly afterward, ICE detained him based on a 2014 removal order tied to a bounced check in 2007 and a simple assault charge in 2006.
According to his attorney, the assault charge stemmed from a domestic dispute in which no physical violence was alleged. The bounced check was repaid in full, along with all related fines. Despite this, the prior offenses triggered immigration consequences years later.
Court records show that the 2014 removal order was issued after Wade failed to appear at a hearing he was never notified about. Notices sent to an address listed by ICE were returned as undeliverable. Wade’s family says he was unaware of the order until his arrest last year.
Following his detention, Wade was first held at the ICE field office in Atlanta, then transferred to Stewart Detention Center. Family members made repeated five-hour round trips to visit him, often separated by plexiglass. More recently, Wade was moved to a detention facility in Louisiana, where his attorney says he was placed on a flight manifest to Jamaica.
“You’re on pins and needles because you don’t know what’s going to happen,” Watkins said. “Am I going to hear that he’s already been sent away?”
ICE has not responded to requests for comment. Online records list Wade as being held at Richwood Correctional Center in Louisiana. Because of the existing removal order, Wade has not yet been granted a hearing. His attorney has filed an appeal asking for the case to be reopened so Wade can present evidence of his military service, rehabilitation, and family ties.
Members of Congress from both political parties have reportedly written to the Department of Homeland Security urging officials to review the case. Wade’s supporters are asking for a single opportunity for him to be heard before an immigration judge.
“What we are asking for is just that one hearing, that one chance,” Watkins said.
Despite his detention, Wade’s family says his spirit remains strong. He has spent time drawing portraits of fellow inmates, sharing his creativity while holding onto his faith. His loved ones say they will continue fighting for him until the very end.
“You serve this country. You’re willing to die for it,” Watkins said. “That should matter.”
“When we say ‘thank you for your service,’ it should mean something,” Christian Wade added.
