Updated on: February 10, 2026 / 11:16 PM EST / CBS Atlanta A Georgia Army veteran who spent nearly five decades in the United States was deported to Jamaica following a routine traffic stop, and now he’s sharing his story in hopes of sparking change for others in similar situations. Godfrey Wade, a legal U.S. resident and Army veteran who first came to America in 1975, was detained after being pulled over for failing to use a turn signal and not carrying his driver’s license. What should have been a minor infraction quickly escalated, landing Wade in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and ultimately leading to his deportation — despite his honorable military service and long-standing ties to the U.S. Speaking to CBS Atlanta over Zoom from Jamaica, Wade recounted the moment that changed everything: “On that particular Saturday morning, I didn’t have a license on me, so I knew just upon being stopped, it’s gonna be the officer’s discretion whether he releases me with just a fine or he’ll take me into jail.” Instead of a routine citation, Wade was taken into custody and soon discovered he would not be allowed to post bond. “When you try to bond out, typical
