Simon Guobadia Detained by ICE Amid Immigration and Legal Troubles

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Key Takeaways

• Simon Guobadia is currently held at Stewart Detention Center in Georgia by ICE due to unresolved immigration violations and deportation risks.
• Guobadia’s U.S. citizenship application was denied; his immigration history includes visa overstays, arrests, and deportation since the 1980s.
• His ICE detention status as of February 22, 2025, could impact deportation decisions, legal appeals, or pending divorce proceedings.

Simon Guobadia, the estranged husband of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Porsha Williams, has landed in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This news, first reported by Us Weekly, shines a spotlight on the complicated immigration history of the Nigerian citizen alongside his equally high-profile personal life. Official records from the Department of Homeland Security confirm that Guobadia is currently being held at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, with his status listed as “in ICE custody.”

This detention follows a failed attempt by Guobadia to secure U.S. citizenship. According to Channel 2 Action News, his most recent application for naturalization was denied earlier this week. That setback is only the latest in a long immigration struggle that dates back to the 1980s, further complicating his ties to life in the United States.

Simon Guobadia Detained by ICE Amid Immigration and Legal Troubles

Simon Guobadia’s Immigration Challenges

Simon Guobadia has faced difficulties with the U.S. immigration system for over 40 years. He originally entered the United States in 1982 but overstayed his visa, a violation that resulted in him being declared deportable by 1985. Despite this ruling, he returned to the U.S. in 1986 on a work visa and again overstayed. This recurring theme of overstaying visas set the stage for further legal complications.

In the 1990s, Guobadia faced even more challenges, including arrests and eventual deportation back to Nigeria. These experiences shaped his continued difficulties with obtaining a lawful and stable immigration status. In 2016, years after the earlier deportations, he applied for U.S. citizenship, but his application was denied. Unfortunately, details regarding the reasons for that denial—and the more recent one—were not disclosed publicly.

With such a long and complicated record of visa issues, arrests, and deportation, it seems Guobadia’s path toward permanent residency or U.S. citizenship has been fraught with barriers. The current incident places his immigration history under a magnifying glass, adding another layer to the public’s knowledge of his life circumstances.

Marriage to Porsha Williams and High-Profile Divorce

Though Simon Guobadia remained relatively under the radar for years, that changed with his marriage to Porsha Williams, a major star on Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” The couple wed in 2022, bringing public attention to Guobadia’s personal life. However, the marriage quickly turned sour, ending in early 2024—just 15 months after their wedding.

The divorce itself has been far from smooth. Late in 2024, Guobadia filed a lawsuit against Williams, seeking $75,000 in damages. The suit accused her of defamation, infliction of emotional distress, and invasion of privacy. The focus of the allegations appears to be social media posts from Williams. Guobadia’s lawsuit claims that these posts falsely stated he suffered from erectile dysfunction, causing serious harm to his reputation. Court filings describe the posts as causing ridicule and emotional pain, adding yet another contentious element to an already complex situation.

Current ICE Detention at Stewart Detention Center

As of February 22, 2025, Simon Guobadia is being held at the Stewart Detention Center, a facility run by ICE. Located in Georgia, the detention center houses individuals involved in immigration situations, such as visa violations, asylum claims, or pending deportation cases.

Though the specific reasons for Guobadia’s detention have not been fully revealed, his prior deportation and history of overstayed visas are likely factors. ICE often places individuals with unresolved immigration violations or deportation orders in detention while legal proceedings are underway. For Guobadia, this could lead to further scrutiny of his failed citizenship applications and his history of re-entering the U.S. after removal.

With his current status as “in ICE custody,” any legal decisions—such as a ruling on deportation or new status applications—will significantly impact both his future and his public profile. Additionally, his detention may complicate unresolved aspects of his ongoing divorce from Porsha Williams.

Public Reaction and Media Attention

The public’s interest in Simon Guobadia’s case is largely fueled by his connection to Porsha Williams and the wider “Real Housewives” fanbase. This connection has ensured widespread media coverage, though details regarding Williams’ reaction to the news remain limited. Us Weekly notes she has addressed his detention in some capacity, but no specific quotes have been released at this time.

The case fits into broader conversations about immigration law and enforcement in the U.S. Some reports have linked Guobadia’s detention to the broader strategies of previous presidential administrations, including the impact of mass deportation policies. While no official connection has been drawn between Guobadia’s detention and specific policies, his story illustrates the challenges faced by individuals who struggle with unresolved immigration statuses.

Broader Implications and Future Steps

What happens next for Simon Guobadia remains uncertain. His detention could result in deportation to Nigeria 🇳🇬 or further legal battles to address his unresolved status in the U.S. On a broader level, the case sheds light on several key issues in U.S. immigration policy, such as the difficulty of achieving naturalization for long-term residents with complex immigration histories.

Guobadia’s situation also highlights how personal relationships—especially high-profile marriages—intersect with immigration struggles. Though he was married to an American citizen, his legal challenges persisted. Many assume that marrying a U.S. citizen resolves immigration problems, but this is not always the case, as U.S. immigration laws require careful verification of eligibility and prior history.

This case is also likely to influence his divorce proceedings with Williams. Legal complications caused by immigration custody could impact court timelines, settlements, or the ability to appear in divorce hearings. Furthermore, the public scrutiny tied to both his detention and the divorce may have lasting effects on the reputations of both Guobadia and Williams.

Wrapping Up

Simon Guobadia’s current situation reflects the intersection of personal and legal challenges in the context of U.S. immigration. His documented history of visa overstays, deportations, and unsuccessful citizenship applications underscores the complexity of achieving any type of permanent status in the U.S. Without clarification on why his recent application was denied, it is challenging to predict a clear path forward for him.

At the same time, his public profile due to his connection with Porsha Williams has brought mainstream visibility to his legal challenges. His detention has sparked conversations about immigration enforcement policies and the often-overlooked difficulties faced by long-term residents with unresolved statuses. Reports from VisaVerge.com emphasize that cases involving individuals with public profiles tend to highlight the complexities of enforcement laws in the U.S.

As Guobadia remains in ICE custody, his case reminds us of the difficulties individuals face while navigating immigration systems, especially when earlier missteps, such as overstaying a visa, lead to lasting consequences. For those wishing to understand the intricacies of U.S. immigration enforcement, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provides reliable insights into citizenship application requirements and immigration laws.

What remains to be seen is how Simon Guobadia’s legal journey unfolds—from ICE detention to potential deportation or further appeals. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: immigration challenges do not discriminate based on public status, and high-profile cases like this one help remind us of the system’s complexities.

Learn Today

Naturalization → The process by which a non-citizen acquires U.S. citizenship after meeting legal residency and eligibility requirements.
Visa Violation → The failure to adhere to the terms of a visa, such as overstaying its validity period or unauthorized activities.
Deportation → The formal removal of a foreign national from a country for violating immigration laws or other legal reasons.
In ICE Custody → A status indicating an individual is detained under the authority of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement awaiting legal outcomes.
Stewart Detention Center → A Georgia-based facility managed by ICE, housing individuals involved in immigration cases like deportations or asylum claims.

This Article in a Nutshell

Simon Guobadia, ex-husband of “RHOA” star Porsha Williams, highlights the complexities of U.S. immigration law. Detained by ICE after decades of visa overstays and failed citizenship attempts, his high-profile personal struggles amplify systemic challenges. This case underscores how fame doesn’t shield against the enduring consequences of unresolved immigration violations and legal missteps.
— By VisaVerge.com