Congressman David Scott Calls on DHS to Halt Deportation of Georgia Veteran and Uphold Due Process

WASHINGTON D.C. - Yesterday, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) urging an immediate stay of removal for Georgia constituent and U.S. Army veteran Godfrey Wade and calling for his immigration case to be heard in court before any further enforcement action is taken.

Mr. Wade, who honorably served eight years in the United States Army, was arrested during a traffic stop on September 13, 2025, and transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody five days later. He was detained at Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, where he reportedly endured overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, including sleeping on the floor and being exposed to sewage. He went more than 55 days without a case agent or court appearance. Mr. Wade has since been transferred to a facility in Louisiana and placed on a flight manifest, putting him at imminent risk of removal from the United States.

"Mr. Wade's continued detention has caused significant physical suffering, emotional distress, and profound disruption to his family and community," said Congressman David Scott. "Despite repeated efforts to resolve this matter, DHS and ICE have refused to engage with me and my office or provide clarity on the status of his case. This lack of transparency and refusal to communicate with elective representatives is unacceptable and a continuation of the current administration's destructive immigration efforts. Our immigration system should uphold due process and treat people with dignity, yet in this case it has failed Mr. Wade who has lived in this country for over 50 years, including several years honorably serving in the U.S. Army protecting us all. I will continue to speak out and take action until those principles are upheld."

Georgia has been significantly impacted by recent ICE actions, with more than 28,7000 immigrants arrested statewide since January 2025. This letter urges DHS to allow Mr. Wade's immigration case to proceed through the judicial system before any removal action is taken. His case reflects a broader national issue and underscores the urgent need for accountability, humanity, and respect for the rule of law within our immigration system.

Read the full letter HERE.

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