Liberian-born North Carolina pastor released from ICE custody following stroke

Gabriel Johnson, an associate pastor at Elm Grove Church Ministries in Pikeville, North Carolina, has been released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Johnson, who suffered a stroke while detained last month, has been transferred to a rehabilitation facility to begin recovery. His daughter, Gabri Johnson, expressed gratitude for his release while noting that the family continues to face significant challenges regarding his immigration status.

Johnson was taken into custody on July 15 during a targeted enforcement operation. While his family maintains that he has held lawful status since arriving in the United States at age 15, the Department of Homeland Security reports that Johnson entered the country on a six-month visa in 1987 and remained after it expired. Officials state that a judge ordered his deportation in 1991, and he has remained in custody as those proceedings continue. The family continues to advocate for his recovery as he undergoes specialized medical care.