Who is Gabriel Johnson? Latest update after North Carolina pastor suffers stroke in ICE detention
Gabriel Johnson, a 55-year-old North Carolina pastor and Liberian immigrant, suffered a stroke while in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, according to his family, who are now seeking his release so he can receive rehabilitation care.
Johnson was detained by ICE at his family home in Cary, North Carolina, on July 15. His relatives say he was subsequently transferred between several detention facilities before ending up in Texas.
The family says Johnson suffered a stroke on July 30 while in detention. After his hospitalization, relatives who traveled to Texas reportedly faced difficulties gaining access to him but were eventually able to visit him.
Who is Gabriel Johnson?
Johnson, 55, is a Liberian immigrant who came to the United States when he was 15. According to his family, as reported by News Nationhe has maintained legal status in the US for decades.
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He is an ordained pastor and a graduate of North Carolina Central University, a historically Black university in Durham, North Carolina.
His detention has drawn attention in part because of his family’s claims about his medical history and the care he received while in ICE custody.
Johnson has a history of high blood pressure and previous strokes. His daughter told TheGrio that Johnson said he was not consistently receiving his medication while detained. He also reportedly complained to relatives about inadequate food and water.
What happened to Johnson in ICE detention?
Johnson’s family says he suffered a stroke on July 30, roughly two weeks after his July 15 detention.
They say he is now paralyzed on one side of his body and needs rehabilitation. His relatives are calling for him to be released from detention so he can receive continued medical treatment.
The family has also raised questions about whether the stroke could have been prevented and whether Johnson received adequate medical care while in custody.
The circumstances surrounding the stroke, including whether his detention or medical treatment contributed to it, have not been established publicly.
Why is the case drawing attention?
Johnson’s case comes amid continuing scrutiny of conditions in ICE detention facilities during President Donald Trump‘s immigration crackdown.
Detainees and immigration advocates have raised allegations involving medical care, food and conditions inside some facilities. ICE has reportedly disputed such claims, while Democratic lawmakers have complained about difficulties accessing detention facilities to inspect conditions.
Johnson’s case has also raised concerns because of his reported medical history. His family’s allegations about missed medication and detention conditions have not, by themselves, established that ICE caused or could have prevented his stroke.
