The Story of a Veteran Fighting for His Freedom

For more than 50 years, the United States was the only home Godfrey Wade ever truly knew. He arrived in America as a young teenager from Jamaica in 1975, full of hope, promise, and the belief that this country offered opportunity for anyone willing to work for it.

And work he did.

Within just a few years, Godfrey enlisted in the United States Army, proudly putting on a uniform that symbolize honor, duty, and sacrifice. He served overseas, stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder with fellow soldiers, and defended the nation that he believed he belonged to. When he was honorably discharged, he carried that pride with him throughout the rest of his life.

To his children, he was a hero.

To his community, he was a builder.

To his family, he was the steady foundation that held everything together.

But today, at 59 years old, that same Army veteran sits far away from home removed from the life he built, the family he loves, and the country he served.

A Life Built the American Way

After leaving the military, Godfrey spent decades contributing to his community in every way he could. He worked as:

* a chef, bringing people together with his meals

* a tennis coach, teaching discipline and confidence

* a fashion designer, creating beauty with his own hands

As his daughter said, “He’s dipped his hands in everything that makes America good.”

He raised six children, welcomed grandchildren into the world, and built a peaceful life with his fiancée, April Watkins. Their home in Covington, Georgia was filled with laughter, faith, and the kind of love that takes years to grow.

But in September 2025, everything changed.

A Traffic Stop That Turned Into a Nightmare

It began with a simple traffic stop—something that happens to thousands of people every day. Godfrey failed to use a turn signal. He was arrested for driving without a license.

But what should have been a minor offense quickly spiraled into something far more devastating.

ICE soon detained him because of a 2014 removal order linked to:

a 2007 bounced check, fully paid years ago

a 2006 simple assault charge stemming from a domestic argument where, according to his attorney, “a glass of milk was spilled and pots and pans were knocked to the floor—no violence was alleged.”

Even more heartbreaking, records show Godfrey never received notice of his 2014 hearing. The letters were mailed to an address that even ICE had on file as incorrect. He never knew he had a removal order at all.

And for that reason alone…

a man who served his country is now facing deportation.

Five Months Behind Barbed Wire and Plexiglass

For nearly five months, Godfrey’s fiancée and children made long, painful trips to Stewart Detention Center. They spoke through glass, unable to hold his hands or hug him.

Then, without warning, he was transferred to Louisiana—a sign that deportation may be imminent.

His daughter described nights of fear and uncertainty.

His granddaughter cried herself to sleep, asking when she would see her grandfather again.

His fiancée lives each day wondering whether she will wake up to news that he has been placed on a plane heading to Jamaica.

As April put it,

“We’ve built an amazing life together. To be separated from that is very challenging, especially since he did not have an opportunity to have his voice heard.”

A Veteran’s Faith, Family, and Fight

Despite the uncertainty, Godfrey remains grounded in his faith.

Inside detention, he draws pictures of his fellow detainees—art that gives him purpose while his own fate remains unclear.

Members of Congress from both parties have taken notice, urging DHS to reopen his case. His attorney has filed appeals, begging for one simple request:

A hearing. A voice. A chance.

His family isn’t asking for special treatment.

They’re asking for fairness.

They’re asking for humanity.

They’re asking for the country he served—**the country he was willing to die for**—to see him as more than a mistake on paper.

His daughter said it best:

“Someone’s old mistakes do not define who they are. People need to see the humanity of the person.”

And his fiancée added:

“When we say ‘thank you for your service,’ it should mean something.”

A Call for Compassion

This is not just the story of one man.

It is the story of every veteran who gave everything to a country that sometimes forgets its own promises.

It is a reminder that patriotism is not just a word—

it is a responsibility.

A nation that thanks its soldiers

must also stand by them

when they need protection the most.

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If you want more stories like this, more voices uplifted, and more truths brought into the light…

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✅ Who You Can Write to in Order to Help Advocate for His Release

You can contact government offices, congressional representatives, oversight departments, and advocacy groups who have the power to intervene or pressure DHS/ICE to reopen a case.

Below is your complete list, with citations from the search results.

🇺🇸 1. Your U.S. Senators & House Representatives

Members of Congress can directly pressure DHS or ICE to reopen a case or halt a removal.

Congressional offices are the strongest advocates in deportation cases involving military veterans.

The ICE Office of Congressional Relations is specifically designed to work with Congress on ICE matters. Members of Congress can contact them directly at (202) 732‑4200 or [email protected]. [ice.gov]

What you can do:

➡️ Write to both of your U.S. Senators

➡️ Write to your district’s Representative

➡️ Ask them to intervene with DHS and request a case review

🛂 2. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Appeals & Oversight

Since deportation cases fall under DHS, they have the authority to intervene.

You can write to or file a complaint with:

DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

Handles issues involving human rights and fairness in immigration matters.

(Referenced in national immigration detention guides.) [firrp.org]

DHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG)

Investigates complaints and misconduct inside DHS agencies including ICE. [firrp.org]

Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO)

Reviews cases of unfair treatment or problems in immigration detention. [firrp.org]

These departments can escalate urgent cases—especially for veterans.

⚖️ 3. ICE Offices That Accept Public Complaints or Intervention Requests

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Reporting Line

1‑888‑351‑4024

This line is listed as a public point of contact for detention and case questions. [freedomfor...grants.org]

You can request: a review of the case

correction of notification errors

an update on the appeal

📣 4. National Advocacy Organizations

These groups can amplify his case publicly, help with legal support, or issue emergency alerts.

Freedom for Immigrants

Provides resources, legal advocacy, and a monitored hotline for detainees. [freedomfor...grants.org]

National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)

Publishes guides and has congressional oversight tools. [immigrantjustice.org]

ACLU – Immigration Rights Project

Actively involved in oversight of ICE detention and wrongful deportations. [aclu.org]

These organizations can elevate the case to media, government, and legal partners.

🏛️ 5. State and Local Elected Officials

Even though deportation is federal, officials such as:

State representatives

Local mayors

County commissioners

Veterans’ affairs offices

…can publicly support the case and pressure federal agencies.

Many deportation cases are slowed or reviewed after local officials show public concern.

🪖 6. Veterans’ Advocacy Groups

Because this involves a U.S. Army veteran, veteran-focused organizations may provide assistance:

Local VFW chapters

American Legion

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

Veterans legal clinics at universities

They can send letters of support to DHS, ICE, or Congress.

📨 What to Say in Your Letters

You can request:

A stay of removal

A case review due to lack of hearing notification

Consideration due to his military service

Reopening his 2014 removal case

Humanitarian grounds due to family and community impact

Keep letters respectful and factual.