65-year-old Godfrey Wade remains hopeful despite deportation after 50 years of U.S. residency
A Jamaican-born U.S. Army veteran who was deported last week is speaking out as he awaits the outcome of his immigration appeal. Godfrey Wade, 65, who spent nearly five months in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, remains optimistic despite a previous court ruling that led to his removal from the country where he had lived for half a century.
Watch: Deported Jamaican-Born U.S. Army Veteran Speaks Out While Awaiting Appeal
In this exclusive interview, Godfrey Wade shares his story and his hopes for justice.
A Plea for Justice
“We want one hearing, one opportunity, one chance to be heard,” Wade told CNN in a recent interview, outlining his hopes as he awaits the outcome of his appeal.
The 65-year-old veteran, who lived in the United States for 50 years as a lawful permanent resident, was deported to Jamaica last week after an emergency stay of removal was denied.
“I’m not a criminal. I’ve worked and paid taxes all my life,” Wade stated emphatically.
The Road to Deportation
Wade’s path to deportation began on September 13, 2024, when he was pulled over for failing to use a turn signal in Conyers, Georgia. He was arrested for driving without a license. Shortly after, ICE detained him due to a 2014 removal order stemming from a 2007 bounced check incident and a 2006 simple assault charge.
Wade addressed these issues directly during his interview. Regarding the assault charge, he explained: “In the effort to remove me from the home, which is our marriage home, a 911 call was made. There was no assault.”
As for the bounced check, Wade clarified: “The fraudulent check was a bounced check that, upon giving notice that the check was bounced, I made full restitution to the tag office.”
Missed Court Hearing Led to Removal Order
According to Wade’s legal team, the removal order was issued when he failed to appear for a 2014 hearing—one he was never notified of because notices were sent to an old address.
Court records reportedly show that hearing notices sent to an address used by ICE were returned as undeliverable, meaning Wade was unaware of the removal order until his arrest in September 2024.
Unwavering Love for America
Despite being deported, Wade says his feelings toward the United States remain unchanged.
“Absolutely not,” he responded when asked if he now viewed the country differently. “I love this country. I am the ultimate Jamaican, as we would say. My children are American. My grandchildren are American. And I mentor hundreds, if not thousands, of American young people.”
Wade continued: “For me to respond differently would be an atrocity. I love this country and everything it stands for. We believe in the justice system, and we know they’re going to do the right thing.”
What’s Next?
With Wade now in Jamaica and his appeal pending, it has become a waiting game for his legal team. Immigration courts often prioritize cases involving individuals currently in the United States, which could potentially delay the resolution of Wade’s case.
His attorneys continue to fight for his return, arguing that he deserves the hearing he never received and the opportunity to present his case before an immigration judge.
As Wade waits for justice, his story highlights the complexities of the U.S. immigration system and raises questions about due process for long-term residents and military veterans.
