A Canadian in U.S. ICE custody has died — Here's what we know so far
He was being detained in Miami.
Johnny Noviello, a citizen of Canada, was being detained at the Federal Detention Center in Miami, Florida, and was awaiting removal proceedings when he was found unresponsive in his cell.
A 49-year-old Canadian man has died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to a statement released by the agency.
Johnny Noviello, a citizen of Canada, was being detained at the Federal Detention Center in Miami, Florida, and was awaiting removal proceedings when he was found unresponsive in his cell on June 23 at around 12:54 p.m. Medical staff reportedly began CPR immediately and used a defibrillator while waiting for emergency services. He was pronounced dead less than an hour later, at 1:36 p.m., by Miami Fire Rescue.
The cause of death has not yet been determined.
ICE says Noviello had legally entered the U.S. in 1988 and became a lawful permanent resident in 1991. In October 2023, he was convicted in Florida for racketeering and trafficking several controlled substances, including oxycodone and hydrocodone, and sentenced to 12 months in prison. On May 15, 2025, ICE arrested him following his release and charged him with removability based on those convictions.
In line with ICE protocol, the agency says it has notified the Department of Homeland Security, the Canadian Consulate, and other oversight bodies. A full report is expected to be published within 90 days, as required by U.S. law.
This incident comes amid a significant expansion of ICE arrests since President Donald Trump's return to office in early 2025. In the first 100 days of Trump's second term, ICE reported over 66,000 interior arrests — more than the entirety of 2024's yearly total. CBS News figures show ICE is now holding nearly 59,000 detainees — about 140% over its funding limit — with nearly half lacking criminal records. Average arrest rates have climbed to over 1,200 per day, doubling last year's pace .
ICE stated that all individuals in its custody receive comprehensive medical screening and access to 24-hour emergency care, and reaffirmed a commitment to maintaining "safe, secure, and humane environments" for detainees.
More information may be published in the coming weeks, pending the results of the investigation.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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