Immigrant Entrepreneur Faces Deportation as Community Rallies in Support
Amid an uncertain future, a Nebraska restaurant owner finds himself at the center of a deportation case that has captured the attention of his local community. Carlos Godinez, known for his popular establishment, Nick’s Gyros, and his contributions to community fundraising, faces deportation proceedings that have prompted an outpouring of support from friends and patrons alike.
Judge Abby Meyer referenced Godinez’s misdemeanor criminal history during a brief hearing at Omaha’s immigration court, as his sister Rose Godinez recounted. The hearing, which took place virtually, lasted less than 15 minutes. Rose noted that her brother spoke during the session, but she felt he was not given the opportunity to fully address or explain his past record.
“We feel quite a bit of anxiety not knowing what comes next,” Rose expressed following the hearing. “He can’t wait to see and hug his kids, even if it’s on the other side of the border.”
Unlike many immigrants who prefer to remain under the radar, Godinez’s situation attracted public attention after his business’s social media account and personal friends highlighted his potential deportation. This sparked a flood of petition signatures, which were presented to the judge. Additionally, supporters familiar with Godinez’s nearly 15-year operation of Nick’s Gyros in Kearney, as well as those aware of his family’s long-standing presence in Nebraska, offered their well wishes online.
Critics also shared their views. Approximately 100 supporters submitted letters to the court, detailing Godinez’s community involvement and volunteer fundraising activities.
Rebuilding a Life
Immigration attorney Rachel Yamamoto reported that the judge concluded the negatives in Godinez’s case outweighed his positive actions. Despite the slim chance of avoiding deportation, Yamamoto said Godinez remained hopeful.
Following the hearing, Godinez had a short virtual conversation with his family, during which he reassured his two sons, parents, and siblings. Yamamoto shared part of his message: “He told them, ‘I’m an entrepreneur. I’m going to build my life again in Guatemala. This is not the end, I will see you again.’”
Court documents reveal Godinez’s criminal infractions, including a 2018 charge for possessing a small amount of marijuana in Lancaster County. According to immigration attorneys, such drug convictions are significant barriers to fighting deportation under federal law.
Now 47, Godinez faced charges in Buffalo County for driving under the influence in both 2022 and 2024. Hall County records include a misdemeanor “assault — mutual fight” conviction linked to a 2020 domestic assault arrest.
On March 11, ICE agents detained Godinez, and he has remained in Hall County Jail since, following a 30-day sentence and probation in Buffalo County for violating a driver’s license revocation. His lawyer pointed out that his unauthorized status prevented him from legally obtaining a driver’s license in Nebraska.
No Appeal
Yamamoto emphasized that Godinez’s case highlights the risks faced by noncitizens, regardless of their positive contributions to their communities.
“Taken in context, his life has been overwhelmingly a positive one,” Yamamoto stated. “He has definitely contributed more to his community than he has taken from it with these minor criminal charges.”
On Tuesday morning, approximately 50 supporters filled the courtroom, with many more spilling into the hallway, according to Yamamoto. Present were his parents and several of his siblings.
Yamamoto indicated that there is no viable option for Godinez to remain in the U.S., as he opted against staying detained for months in pursuit of an appeal.
Throughout the ordeal, his sister Rose stood by him. One of five siblings who graduated from Nebraska’s Lexington High School, Rose is now a private attorney who previously led the civil rights and immigration legal team at the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska. Their youngest brother is pursuing a doctorate at Columbia University.
Many of Godinez’s supporters on social media expressed confusion about why he hadn’t pursued legal residency. Rose clarified that while he had options in the past, her brother preferred to rely on his own efforts rather than others’ status.
At one point, Godinez could have sought lawful permanent residency through a petition filed by his former U.S.-born wife. However, his U.S.-born children are not yet old enough to file such a petition, as they must be 21 years old. His children are currently 13 and 11.
Yamamoto noted that the process for a U.S.-born sibling to petition for an undocumented sibling can exceed a decade, and any criminal offense could hinder such opportunities.
‘American Dream’
Before his hearing, Carlos Godinez remarked that he was “raised with the American belief that if you work hard, you earn your keep.”
