North Carolina Pastor Suffers Stroke While in ICE Detention, Family Alleges Medical Neglect

Gabriel Johnson III, a 55-year-old pastor from North Carolina, suffered a stroke on July 30, 2026, while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Johnson was taken into ICE custody on July 15, 2026. He was transferred between several facilities, including the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia and a holding facility in Atlanta, before being transported to Texas. He was hospitalized in the Dallas area after experiencing the stroke.

His daughter, Gabri Johnson, has publicly alleged that her father was subjected to medical neglect while in government custody. She said he was denied access to necessary medication, food, and water, and that his medical conditions, specifically stage 2 hypertension and a history of previous strokes, were not adequately managed. She also claimed the family was initially prevented from visiting him in the hospital and that ICE canceled a planned rehabilitation program because the facility would not permit ICE agents to be present.

Her social media campaign gained significant attention and drew support from U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro and the ACLU of North Carolina.

The Department of Homeland Security and ICE disputed the neglect claims. ICE stated that Johnson entered the U.S. on December 30, 1987, on a six-month visa and has remained in the country in violation of immigration law. According to DHS, Johnson has been subject to a final order of removal since January 1991.

Federal authorities also noted that Johnson has a criminal record that includes convictions for drug possession, fraud, and mail theft. ICE said Johnson was regularly monitored by medical staff and that the agency does not interfere with the clinical judgments of medical professionals.

As of mid-August 2026, Johnson remained in stable condition under ICE supervision, with officials stating he would remain in custody pending removal from the United States.