Gabriel Johnson III, a 55-year-old Cary pastor who suffered a severe neurological event while detained in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, was released on Wednesday evening and is transitioning to a 24-hour rehabilitation facility, according to his daughter, Gabri Johnson. The release follows a federal court order in Texas prohibiting federal officials from deporting him or transferring him outside the court’s jurisdiction while his legal case proceeds.
Medical Status and Transition to Rehabilitation
Doctors initially suspected a stroke, but brain scans revealed an acute neurological event that caused partial paralysis on the left side of Johnson’s body, leaving him unable to move his left arm or leg, according to Gabri Johnson. Speaking to The News & Observer on Saturday, while driving to the Dallas hospital with her mother, Gabri stated that her father is still at a Dallas-area hospital and will likely move to a 24-hour rehab facility within three days, pending administrative tasks like insurance verification.
“He’s just so excited to be allowed to go to therapy,” Gabri said. “A big fear of his was having his body not fully work and be sent to a country he’s never been to before without his family.”
Detention Timeline and Health Complications
Johnson came to the United States from Liberia at age 16 in the 1980s, graduated from N.C. Central University in 2002, and has served as a pastor for about 20 years. ICE detained him around 8:30 a.m. on July 15. He was initially taken to a Cary detention center, where he experienced a stage 2 hypertension blood pressure crisis and was admitted to WakeMed before being transferred the next day to the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia, which is run by CoreCivic.
Gabri alleged that her father was not consistently given his blood pressure and stroke medications while in Georgia, and went without food or water during transfers. On July 29, ICE flew Johnson to the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. The next morning, Johnson called his family to report he was unwell and had received no food or medication for 24 hours. Around 11 a.m. on July 30, he was admitted to a Dallas-area hospital. ICE confirmed the hospitalization for “stroke-like symptoms” at the time but disputed allegations that medical care was denied.
Did you know? Johnson previously survived a series of strokes in 2020 that caused brain damage, requiring him to take six to eight daily medications, according to his family.
Legal Proceedings and ICE Custody Status
Johnson’s legal team filed a temporary restraining order in federal court on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the court ordered that federal officials cannot deport Johnson—including to any country other than Liberia—or transfer him out of the court’s jurisdiction. Following the ruling, ICE issued Johnson’s release.
Previously, ICE stated that Johnson has been under a removal order since 1991 after overstaying a six-month visitor permission and has a criminal record. Gabri stated that her father was granted protection from deportation in 2004 and complied with subsequent requirements, while declining to comment on the alleged criminal record, which The News & Observer could not independently verify.
“We’re not fully out of the woods legally, nor with his health,” Gabri said. “We’ve won a battle but not the war. We’re still talking to the lawyers to figure out what our next step is.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gabriel Johnson III currently located?
Johnson remains at a Dallas-area hospital and is scheduled to transition to a 24-hour rehabilitation facility within three days, pending insurance and administrative verification, according to his daughter.
Why was Gabriel Johnson detained by ICE?
ICE stated that Johnson has been subject to a removal order since 1991 after overstaying a six-month stay, while his family notes he was granted protection from deportation in 2004.
What medical condition does Johnson have?
Following an acute neurological event during detention, Johnson suffers from partial paralysis on the left side of his body, preventing movement in his left arm and leg.
Can ICE deport Johnson now?
A federal court order prohibits federal officials from deporting Johnson or transferring him out of the court’s jurisdiction while his legal proceedings continue.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share your perspective in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on local immigration and legal developments.
Related reading