Representative urges federal review after veteran detained by ICE

During afternoon orders on Feb. 19, a House member described the case of Godfrey Wade, a lawful permanent resident and U.S. Army veteran who worked in the State Capitol cafeteria. The speaker said Wade was subject to Department of Homeland Security proceedings more than a decade ago and that proper notice and a hearing were not provided. Wade was detained during a traffic stop last September, held in ICE custody for five months, and earlier this month the speaker said he was moved to Jamaica.

The lawmaker urged colleagues to join a request that the Department of Homeland Security reopen Wade’s case so he can receive the hearing to which the speaker said he is legally entitled. The speaker asked members to encourage the federal delegation in Congress to review defects in the case and emphasized the bipartisan, rule-of-law basis for the appeal.

No formal action on the case was taken by the House during the floor remarks; the matter was presented as a request for federal review and constituent assistance.