Georgia Army veteran held in ICE detention

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After 52 years in the United States, Army veteran Godfrey Wade now sits inside Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia.

On September 13, authorities detained Wade in Conyers, Ga. after a routine traffic stop for suspicion of failing to use a turn signal. The investigation revealed he lacked a valid license and he was arrested.

Meanwhile, his fiancée, April Watkins, filmed the arrest. “He signed up to serve this country, and now it’s turning its back,” she told 11Alive News.

Army veteran Godfrey Wade’s Military Service and Civilian Life

A GoFundMe page created by Wade’s family says the 65-year-old emigrated from Jamaica to New York as a teenager legally and has permanent residency. He joined the Army in the mid‑1970s. He served with the 7th Infantry Division in Germany, earning good conduct and wartime service medals.

After his honorable discharge from the military, Wade pursued multiple careers and obtained college degrees. He worked as a fashion designer, master tailor, tennis coach, and chef. At the time of his arrest, he prepared food at Georgia Capitol Café.

Criminal past?

Wade’s family says he is a beloved father, grandfather with no prior criminal history.

Meanwhile, a statement by DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin says Wade has a criminal history of “domestic assault, criminal trespass, reckless conduct, deposit account fraud, violation of probation, multiple arrests for driving on a suspended license”.

A Freedom of Information Act (FIOA) request is pending to confirm the charges.

Army veteran Godfrey Wade’s Efforts Toward Citizenship

Permanent residency offers immigrants the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely, but only citizenship secures full constitutional protections, including the right to vote and hold a U.S. passport.

Although Wade and Watkins sought legal citizenship, the process proved costly. “The expense is astronomical,” Watkins explained to the local outlet. “We tried everything to prevent this, but here we are.”

Furthermore, Wade said he never imagined deportation was possible.

“I’ve lived here 52 years, raised children, paid taxes, and worked hard,” he said. “Now I’m learning immigration rules from inside detention.”

Wade said he spent his first 12 days at Stewart Detention Center in deplorable conditions sleeping on a makeshift bed on the ground, a result of overcrowding.

He also said there are only two working urinals for his entire pod of 80 people and sewage is leaking on the floors.

Policy and Oversight

Previously, undocumented veterans had limited protections. A 2022 directive instructed ICE agents to consider veteran status before deportation if no violent crimes existed.

But an internal ICE memo obtained by 11Alive shows that directive was rescinded in April of this year. The memo outlines certain protections for active-duty service members, but leaves others vulnerable.

Recently, more than 60 Democratic lawmakers demanded documentation of detained or deported veterans in 2025.

That list was due Sept. 16. It reportedly never came.

Family Impact

Wade’s detention has weighed heavily on his family. He has six children and three grandchildren. His daughter Christian said visits are painful. “He doesn’t want the kids to see him behind plexiglass,” she explained.

Hope Despite Uncertainty

Despite hardship, Wade remains hopeful. “I shed my blood for this country. I just want a day in court,” he said.

However, his attorney said deportation proceedings are underway. Wade has not yet appeared before a judge. A hearing notice mailed in 2014 went to the wrong address. As a result, an immigration judge ordered Wade’s removal from the U.S. for failure to appear.

Watkins said she hopes his case sparks reform. “If you served this country, you deserve a chance to stay,” she said.

A GoFundMe launched by the family is looking to help with Wade’s legal fight. To learn more, visit the official GoFundMe page here.