U.S. Veteran Deported to Jamaica Despite Ongoing Appeal
A veteran who has lived in the U.S. for 50 years was recently deported to Jamaica, even though he had an active appeal, according to CBS News.
Godfrey Wade was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and spent nearly five months detained before his deportation. He arrived in the U.S. legally in 1975, served in the Army, and was honorably discharged after serving overseas. Wade’s legal troubles began in September 2025 when he was stopped for not using his turn signal and subsequently arrested for driving without a license.
ICE detained him based on a removal order from 2014, which stemmed from a dishonored check in 2007 and a simple assault charge in 2006. Notably, the assault did not involve physical violence, and Wade had already paid the check and associated fines, as noted by his lawyer. ICE cited Wade’s failure to appear for a hearing that year as justification for the order.
His attorney mentioned that Wade wasn’t aware of this removal order until after his arrest, and a hearing notice was returned as undeliverable, according to court records.
On February 5, Democratic Representative David Scott wrote to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, urging her to give Wade a chance to contest his case in court. The letter pointed out Wade’s honorable service in the Army from 1983 to 1987 and emphasized his deep roots in the community, including raising six U.S. citizen children.
Scott highlighted that Wade’s attorneys had found several instances of the government not notifying him properly about the hearing, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the removal order.
“I respectfully request that the Department allow Mr. Wade, who served our country, his day in court,” the letter stated.
However, Wade was deported on the same day the letter was sent. When he was arrested, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin indicated that his criminal history included multiple arrests for various offenses, including domestic assault and driving on a suspended license.
Even after deportation, Wade’s legal team is pushing forward with the appeal, although an emergency removal stay has been denied. Attempts by the Daily Caller to contact DHS and ICE for comment on Wade’s case went unanswered.
