Godfrey Wade, a U.S. Army veteran, was deported to Jamaica after 50 years of legal residency in the U.S., prompting his family and legal team to seek his return.
Godfrey Wade, a U.S. Army veteran, has been deported to Jamaica after living legally in the United States for fifty years. His deportation, executed by ICE, came after a five-month detention. Despite his long-term residency, the deportation was triggered by old charges, including a bounced check in 2007 and a simple assault in 2006, which activated a previously existing deportation order from 2014. Wade's family and lawyer have initiated legal proceedings to reverse the deportation and bring him back home.
The conflict began in September 2025 when Wade was stopped by immigration patrol agents for driving without turning on his blinker and without a valid license. During this encounter, his prior charges led to the enforcement of the 2014 deportation order. The nature of these charges, particularly the assault case, is being contested by Wade's legal representative, who argues that the allegations did not warrant such drastic action as deportation.
The case has raised questions about the treatment of long-term legal residents and the implications of enforcing deportation orders based on older, less serious charges. As Wade's family and legal advocates work to rectify his situation, the case highlights the challenges faced by many immigrants in navigating complex legal landscapes, often facing severe repercussions for actions that may date back years without consideration for their contributions to society during their residency in the U.S.
