A Raleigh woman is speaking out after her father, Gabriel Lasanda Johnson, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in mid-July. According to his daughter, Gabri Johnson, her father was born in Liberia but has lived in the United States with legal status since he was 15 years old.
Concerns Over ICE Custody Conditions
Gabri Johnson claims that her father was taken into custody due to a misunderstanding about a missed immigration appointment. However, the family was later told that officials were pursuing Gabriel’s removal under a broader change in federal immigration policy.
While in custody, Gabriel Johnson has allegedly been treated poorly, resulting in a stroke that paralyzed the left side of his body. His daughter says that for 16 days, he was refused consistent food and water, and was denied his stroke medication. The family has filed an emergency stay of removal, which was denied.
The office of U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee, D-N.C., is aware of the situation and is working with the family. ICE has not responded to requests for comment.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
