Simon Guobadia, the estranged husband of Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is currently being held at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia. The detention comes as part of a broader immigration crackdown initiated by President Donald Trump following his return to office in January 2025, sparking renewed attention to Guobadia’s long-standing legal battles over his immigration status.
Guobadia, a Nigerian-born businessman, first arrived in the United States in 1982. His immigration history has been tumultuous, marked by allegations of overstaying a visa, a deportation in 1992, and multiple legal challenges to secure U.S. citizenship. According to reports, Guobadia was declared deportable in 1985 after overstaying his initial visa. He returned to the U.S. in 1986 but faced further legal scrutiny, including a 1987 arrest and guilty plea for bank and credit card fraud. Deported to Nigeria in 1992, he managed to re-enter the country a month later. In 2016, Guobadia applied for naturalization, but his application was denied, with authorities citing his prior status as "unlawfully granted." Despite filing several appeals, his efforts to become a naturalized citizen have been unsuccessful.
The timing of Guobadia’s detention aligns with President Trump’s mass deportation plan, enacted through executive orders shortly after his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The initiative has prioritized the arrest and removal of immigrants with final deportation orders, a category that appears to include Guobadia. ICE facilities nationwide have seen a surge in detainees, with reports indicating that capacity reached 109% by early February, reflecting the aggressive enforcement measures now in place.
Guobadia’s personal life has also drawn significant public attention. He married Porsha Williams in November 2022 after a whirlwind romance and a proposal in May 2021. The couple’s marriage, however, unraveled quickly, with Williams filing for divorce in February 2024 after just 15 months. Their split has since been mired in legal disputes, including battles over their prenuptial agreement and possession of their shared Georgia residence. Williams recently scored victories in court, securing temporary sole use of their home and the right to film content there for her Real Housewives career.
In response to news of Guobadia’s detention, Williams took to Instagram on February 21, 2025, writing, “It’s disheartening to see my estranged husband make choices that have led to this outcome. At this moment, my priority is moving forward with my family.” Her statement has fueled speculation among fans and media about the intersection of their contentious divorce and his immigration woes, though no direct evidence links the two events.
The Stewart Detention Center, where Guobadia is being held, has long been a focal point for immigration detention in the U.S. Located in rural South Georgia, the facility has faced criticism for its conditions, with detainees and advocates alleging mistreatment and neglect. As Trump’s deportation policies ramp up, facilities like Stewart are under increasing strain, raising questions about the logistics and humanitarian implications of detaining and deporting millions.
For Guobadia, the road ahead remains uncertain. His detention marks a significant escalation in his decades-long immigration saga, one that could end with his return to Nigeria—a country he left over 40 years ago. Meanwhile, the public watches as this high-profile case unfolds against the backdrop of a polarizing national debate on immigration policy. As of now, neither ICE nor Guobadia’s representatives have released additional statements.
The story continues to develop, blending reality TV drama with the stark realities of America’s immigration system in 2025.
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