A Liberian-born pastor who suffered a stroke while being held by US immigration authorities has been released from detention and is expected to begin intensive rehabilitation.

Pastor Gabriel Johnson, 55, from North Carolina, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on 15 July. He suffered a stroke two weeks later and was taken to hospital, with his family saying it left the left side of his body paralysed.

His daughter, Gabri Johnson, has now confirmed that her father has been released from ICE custody and is being transferred to a rehabilitation facility offering 24-hour care.

The family said they were "deeply grateful" and were praying that treatment would help him learn to walk again.

"My father's release does not erase what has happened or the challenges our family continues to face," Gabri said. "But it gives him the opportunity to focus on healing."

Johnson is an associate pastor at Elm Grove Church Ministries in Pikeville. Premier Christian News previously reported that his family had raised concerns about the medical treatment he received while detained.

His relatives alleged he had not consistently received medication and blamed his treatment in detention for his deteriorating health. ICE rejected allegations that necessary medical care had been withheld, saying Johnson had been treated by licensed medical professionals and that clinical decisions were made by hospital staff.

There is also disagreement over Johnson's immigration status. His family has maintained he had lawful status in the US, while the Department of Homeland Security said he overstayed a six-month visa and was issued with a removal order in 1991.

His daughter described his release as an "enormous victory", but said he still faces a long road to recovery.