A US Army veteran was deported to Jamaica without even knowing about his immigration hearing.

A U.S. Army veteran was deported after a hearing he said he was unaware of. His attempt to return home could take years. Godfrey Wade, a 65-year-old veteran who had lived in the country for over 50 years and held permanent resident status, was deported to Jamaica on February 5, 2026, writes CNN.

Godfrey Wade was deported from the United States following a 2014 deportation order issued in absentia, the existence of which, according to the veteran and his lawyer, he only learned of many years later. His family and lawyer claim Wade never attended the hearing and received no notice. Now, returning to the United States, where his fiancée, children, and grandchildren remain, could take years.

Godfrey Wade came to the United States from Jamaica in 1975 with his mother as a legal immigrant with permanent resident status. At 22, he enlisted in the United States Army. Just a year later, he was serving in Germany as a unit supply specialist. For nearly four years of service, Wade was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

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In 1987, he was honorably discharged under the army downsizing program.

Wade, who lived in America for half a century as a permanent resident and served in the U.S. Army, is one of more than 600,000 people deported during President Donald Trump's second term, according to the White House. The administration has repeatedly stated that it will focus on deporting the "most dangerous." Wade's family is challenging his deportation, arguing that the 65-year-old veteran, who later worked as a cook in Georgia, doesn't deserve to have his life and the lives of his loved ones destroyed.

In 2022, the Joe Biden administration issued an executive order making military service a significant mitigating factor when considering veteran removal. Last year, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons rescinded this rule, although officials may still consider military service.

Wade's deportation was based on two previous offenses dating back to 2006-2007. At the time, he was going through a divorce from his wife. Wade was charged with assault, trespassing, and dangerous conduct. According to his lawyer and family members, there was no physical violence—the man threw dishes and kitchen utensils on the floor in anger.

"The charges were excessive. They were designed to force him to admit guilt," said his immigration lawyer, Tony Kositsky.

Wade entered into a plea deal and pleaded guilty to one count of simple assault and one count of dangerous conduct. He received 12 months of probation and was required to complete an aggression management course.

His daughter, Ella Wade, who was 8 at the time and is named in the case as one of the victims, says her father's actions were a mistake but do not reflect who he is now.

"My father is a religious man and is capable of taking responsibility for his actions," Ella emphasized.

In 2007, a second case emerged: a check for just over $500, issued by the IRS to renew a car's registration, bounced. Wade claims this was a mistake. He pleaded guilty to bank fraud and paid restitution and a fine.

The lawyer emphasizes that in both cases, Wade was not explained the immigration consequences of these sentences.

A deportation hearing was scheduled for June 2012. Wade and his lawyers claim he never received any notices—the letters were sent to an address where he did not live and were returned marked "return to sender." In July 2014, a deportation order was issued in absentia.

"He never appeared before a judge," Tony Kositsky assured.

In 2022, Wade, still unaware of the case, applied to renew his green card, but COVID-19-related delays delayed the process. Meanwhile, he was unable to renew his driver's license, as a valid green card was required.

Wade only learned of this decision in December 2024, when his green card renewal was denied. By September 2025, he had already hired a lawyer and was attempting to obtain a full immigration file, but was arrested after police in Conyers, Georgia, stopped him for not having a valid driver's license.

On September 13, 2025, he was detained on suspicion of a traffic violation. This quickly escalated into an immigration check, five months of detention, and deportation.

Because he already had a deportation order against him, he was not given a hearing: he was first sent to the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia, then transferred to Louisiana, and finally deported to a country he had not seen in half a century.

"I didn't have any documents with me—when you're picked up by immigration, you're deported in the same clothes you were wearing when you were detained," he noted.

He says it's almost as difficult for him to get documents in his home country as it is in the US: "In Jamaica, everything happens slowly.

Asked why he did not obtain US citizenship even while serving, the veteran said he was ill-informed and thought it meant giving up his Jamaican identity.

"I didn't understand the importance of becoming a citizen back then. I could have avoided all of this, but I didn't," Wade admitted.

The Department of Homeland Security called him a "criminal illegal immigrant" who "received full due process" and "will no longer be able to terrorize Americans."

The family categorically disagrees. Wade's fiancée, April Watkins, believes, "The mistakes of the past shouldn't define the present. He's not some violent criminal."

For most people, turning 65 marks a transition to a quieter life with family. For Wade, it marked the beginning of a life away from them.

The veteran now lives in St. Mary's Parish, Jamaica. He admits the island is beautiful, but he calls his life there a "gilded cage."

"I miss everyone," Godfrey Wade said sadly.

The fresh sea air and sunshine gradually helped him get rid of the hoarseness and cough that had developed during his five months in the isolation ward.

"He's better off here than in the detention center," Watkins admitted. "You can visit him, but he's still not at home."

This year, she and her children managed to spend a week with him in Jamaica, but regular trips are too expensive.

Although Wade and Watkins had long been engaged and living together, green card issues complicated their marriage plans. Watkins had become close to his children and grandchildren and was the first to arrive when he was detained.

"I miss the United States. It's been my home for 52 years," the veteran concluded.

While in custody, Wade drew portraits of other detainees, led a Bible study group, and wove bracelets for children. The family stays in touch via WhatsApp video calls. The children and grandchildren gather to talk with their father and grandfather.

The Watkins home in Covington fills with the aromas of Jamaican cuisine as Wade's three children—Christian, Ella, and Zoe—gather for dinner.

"The grandchildren don't know what happened," Christian clarified. "For them, Grandpa just left."

The lawyer and family are now seeking the most important thing: a full hearing in immigration court, which Wade never had.

"We're not asking for his green card to be returned and for him to be released. We're only asking for him to be given the opportunity to stand trial," concluded Tony Kositsky.

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Representative David Scott sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security requesting a review of the case, but has yet to receive a response. Because Wade is already outside the United States, the appeals process could take years.

"I still believe in American principles and hold no grudges," Godfrey Wade concluded. "I know justice will prevail."

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