In a case highlighting the complexities of immigration enforcement, a U.S. Army veteran is currently detained in Georgia, drawing attention to the ongoing struggle faced by some veterans under the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Godfrey Wade, who has lived in the United States for over five decades, was detained by ICE after being pulled over for a minor traffic violation in September. The 65-year-old veteran, who came to the U.S. as a teenager and later served in the Army, is now held at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia.
The incident began when Wade was stopped for failing to use a turn signal. The traffic stop led to the discovery of his expired driver’s license and his undocumented status, resulting in his arrest. His fiancée, April Watkins, captured the moment on her phone. “He wasn’t born in this country, and still, he loves this country enough that he signed up to serve it,” Watkins shared with 11Alive News in Atlanta.
Wade’s Military and Civilian Life
Wade joined the Army in the 1970s, serving in the 7th Infantry Division in Germany, where he earned commendations for his service. After leaving the military, he pursued various careers, including fashion design, coaching, and culinary arts. At the time of his arrest, he was working as a chef at the Georgia Capitol Café.
Efforts to legalize his residency were underway, according to both Wade and Watkins, although the financial burden made the process challenging. “We had an attorney, but it’s a very expensive endeavor; the cost is astronomical,” Watkins explained.
Detention Center Conditions
Wade’s experience at the detention center has been fraught with difficulties. Overcrowding forced him to sleep on the floor on a makeshift bed for nearly two weeks. “We don’t have any bunk space,” Wade reported. Furthermore, deteriorating facilities have compounded the situation, with only two urinals available for 80 detainees and frequent issues with sewage overflow.
According to records from the Office of Detention Oversight, the center has been cited for numerous deficiencies, including health, safety, and phone access issues. Attempts to obtain a comment from CoreCivic, the facility’s operator, have been unsuccessful.
Legal Struggles and Family Impact
Previously, undocumented veterans benefited from certain legal protections against deportation. However, despite a 2022 directive urging ICE to consider military service in deportation cases, these protections seem insufficient in Wade’s situation.
The delay in resolving Wade’s legal status has been tough on his family, who struggle to visit him. His daughter, Christian, expressed the emotional toll, stating, “It is very traumatic. He doesn’t deserve this, what he’s experiencing right now.”
Despite the hardship, Wade remains hopeful about his future in the country he served. “If I didn’t believe this country is still great, I wouldn’t want to stay here,” he said. Awaiting his day in court, Wade hopes to share his story and rectify his situation.
Watkins remains hopeful for broader change that might protect other non-citizen veterans. “If you served this country, you deserve a chance to stay in this country,” she emphasized, hoping Wade’s case sparks a reassessment of current policies.
