NC Pastor Gabriel Johnson Suffers Stroke in ICE Detention, Family Alleges Neglect

Gabriel Johnson III, a 55-year-old pastor from North Carolina, suffered a stroke while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, his family confirmed in August 2026.

ICE agents arrested Johnson on July 15, 2026, outside his home. He was then moved from a detention center in Cary, North Carolina, to the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, and finally to the Prairieland Detention Center in Texas. On July 30, he was admitted to a hospital in the Dallas area after showing stroke-like symptoms.

His daughter, Gabri Johnson, said the stroke left him with paralysis on the left side of his body. She also said hospital security initially denied that her father was a patient there.

The family alleges that Johnson, who requires daily medication after previous strokes in 2020, was denied his prescriptions and received inconsistent care from facility staff. They also claim he was denied adequate food and water during transfers.

ICE and the Department of Homeland Security rejected the neglect allegations. An ICE spokesperson said Johnson was regularly monitored by medical staff and that all known medical issues were addressed.

DHS said Johnson is a Liberian national who entered the United States in 1987 and overstayed his visa. He has been under a final order of removal since 1991. Officials cited a criminal history that includes convictions for fraud, drug possession, and mail theft. ICE said he will remain in custody pending removal.

Johnson's family maintains he was granted a withholding of removal in 2004, which they say should protect him from deportation. His case has drawn attention from Christian advocacy groups who say the treatment of a pastor in federal custody raises serious concerns about the care of detainees with medical needs.