Canadian Citizen Dies in ICE Custody, Cause Under Investigation

Key Takeaways

• Johnny Noviello, a Canadian, died in ICE custody at Miami Detention Center on June 23, 2025.
• Noviello was detained after a 2023 racketeering and drug trafficking conviction and awaiting deportation.
• ICE follows strict protocols after deaths, including investigations and notifying family and consulates.

A Canadian Citizen Dies in ICE Custody: The Case of Johnny Noviello

A Canadian citizen, Johnny Noviello, died while being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Federal Detention Center in Miami, Florida, on June 23, 2025. Noviello, 49, was found unresponsive in his cell and was pronounced dead by the Miami Fire Rescue Department at 1:36 p.m. The cause of his death is still under investigation, and the incident has raised new questions about the safety and care of people held in U.S. immigration detention centers.

This article explains what happened, why it matters, and what it means for immigrants, their families, and the broader immigration system. It also looks at the official procedures that follow a death in ICE custody, the background of Johnny Noviello, and the possible effects on U.S.-Canada 🇨🇦 relations.

Who Was Johnny Noviello and Why Was He in ICE Custody?

Johnny Noviello was a Canadian citizen who entered the United States 🇺🇸 in 1988. He became a lawful permanent resident (also known as a green card holder) in 1991. This status allowed him to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸 legally. However, in October 2023, Noviello was convicted of racketeering and drug trafficking. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison for these crimes.

After serving his sentence, Noviello was arrested by ICE on May 15, 2025. ICE often detains non-citizens who have been convicted of certain crimes, especially those involving drugs or organized crime, because these convictions can make someone “deportable.” Deportation is the process of removing a non-citizen from the United States 🇺🇸 and sending them back to their home country.

Noviello was being held at the Federal Detention Center in Miami while his deportation case was being processed. According to ICE, he was awaiting removal to Canada 🇨🇦 when he died.

What Happened on June 23, 2025?

On June 23, 2025, staff at the Federal Detention Center in Miami found Johnny Noviello unresponsive in his cell. Medical staff responded quickly, providing emergency care, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator. Despite these efforts, the Miami Fire Rescue Department pronounced him dead at 1:36 p.m.

The exact cause of Noviello’s death is not yet known. ICE has stated that the cause is under investigation, and several agencies are involved in reviewing what happened. These include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility. ICE has also notified the Canadian consulate, as required by law.

Standard Procedures After a Death in ICE Custody

When someone dies in ICE custody, there are strict steps that must be followed:

1. Immediate Medical Response: Medical staff at the detention center must provide emergency care right away. This includes CPR and using a defibrillator if needed.
2. Notification of Authorities: Local emergency services, such as the fire department, are called to confirm the death.
3. Investigation: The cause of death is investigated by ICE and sometimes by outside agencies. This is to make sure there was no foul play and to check if proper care was given.
4. Notification of Consulate and Family: ICE must notify the consulate of the person’s home country and the person’s family.
5. Public Reporting: ICE is required by law to publish a report about the death within 90 days. This rule comes from the DHS Appropriations Bill of 2018.

ICE has said it follows these steps in every case. The agency has also stated that it is committed to providing safe and humane conditions for all detainees.

Medical Care in ICE Detention Centers

ICE detention centers are supposed to provide medical care to everyone they hold. According to ICE policy, every new detainee must get a health screening within 12 hours of arrival and a full health assessment within 14 days. This is meant to catch any health problems early and make sure people get the care they need.

However, advocacy groups and some experts have raised concerns about the quality of medical care in these centers. They point to cases where detainees did not get timely or proper treatment, sometimes leading to serious illness or death. The death of Johnny Noviello has brought these concerns back into the spotlight.

What Are the Broader Concerns About ICE Detention?

Immigration detention in the United States 🇺🇸 has long been a subject of debate. Supporters of detention say it is necessary to make sure people show up for their immigration hearings and to protect public safety. Critics argue that detention is often harsh, that conditions can be poor, and that people are sometimes held for long periods without good reason.

Some of the main concerns include:

• Medical Care: There have been reports of delayed or inadequate medical treatment in some detention centers.
• Mental Health: Detention can be very stressful, especially for people who have already been through trauma.
• Length of Detention: Some people are held for months or even years while their cases move through the courts.
• Deaths in Custody: Each year, several people die while in ICE custody. ICE publishes annual statistics on these deaths, but each case raises questions about what could have been done differently.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, incidents like the death of Johnny Noviello often lead to renewed calls for better oversight and reforms in the immigration detention system.

How Many People Die in ICE Custody Each Year?

ICE keeps records of all deaths that happen in its custody and publishes these numbers each year. While the exact number for 2025 is not yet available, in recent years, the number of deaths has ranged from a handful to over a dozen per year. Each death is supposed to be reviewed and reported publicly.

For more information on ICE detention and official statistics, readers can visit the ICE official website.

What Does This Mean for Families and Other Detainees?

The death of Johnny Noviello is a tragedy for his family and friends. It also causes worry for the families of other people held in ICE custody. Many families already feel anxious about the safety and well-being of their loved ones in detention. News of a death can make these fears even stronger.

For other detainees, such incidents can increase stress and fear. Some may worry about whether they will get proper medical care if they become sick. Others may feel more isolated or hopeless.

Advocacy groups, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Physicians for Human Rights, have called for better medical care, more transparency, and alternatives to detention for people who do not pose a risk to public safety.

How Has the Canadian Government Responded?

ICE has notified the Canadian consulate about Johnny Noviello’s death, as required by international agreements. Global Affairs Canada, which handles foreign relations for Canada 🇨🇦, was contacted by news organizations but did not provide an immediate response.

The Canadian government may seek more information about the circumstances of Noviello’s death and may offer support to his family. In some cases, such incidents can lead to diplomatic discussions between countries, especially if there are concerns about how citizens are treated in foreign detention centers.

What Are the Policy Implications?

The death of a foreign national in ICE custody can have several effects:

• Scrutiny of Detention Practices: Each death brings attention to how ICE runs its detention centers and whether conditions are safe and humane.
• Calls for Reform: Advocacy groups and some lawmakers may use cases like this to push for changes in detention policy, such as better medical care, more oversight, or the use of alternatives to detention.
• International Relations: When a citizen of another country dies in U.S. custody, it can affect relations between the two countries. Canada 🇨🇦 may ask for a full investigation and may want changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
• Legal and Financial Risks: ICE and the U.S. government can face lawsuits or other legal actions if it is found that someone died because of neglect or poor conditions.

What Happens Next?

The investigation into Johnny Noviello’s death is ongoing. It may take weeks or months for the full facts to come out. ICE is required to publish a report on the incident within 90 days. This report should include details about what happened, what care was provided, and what steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents.

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, there could be changes in policy or practice at the Federal Detention Center in Miami or in the broader ICE system. There may also be renewed calls for reforms from advocacy groups, lawmakers, and the public.

What Can Families and Detainees Do If They Have Concerns?

If you have a loved one in ICE custody and are worried about their health or safety, there are steps you can take:

• Contact the Detention Center: Ask to speak with medical staff or the warden about your loved one’s condition.
• Reach Out to the Consulate: If your loved one is a citizen of another country, contact the consulate for help.
• Contact Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the ACLU or Human Rights Watch can offer advice and support.
• File a Complaint: You can file a complaint with ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility if you believe your loved one is not being treated properly.

For more information on how to contact ICE or file a complaint, visit the ICE official website.

Looking Ahead: Possible Changes and Future Developments

The death of Johnny Noviello may lead to several possible changes:

• Policy Reforms: Lawmakers and advocacy groups may push for better medical care, more oversight, or alternatives to detention.
• Improved Transparency: There may be calls for ICE to release more information about deaths in custody and to make sure families are notified quickly.
• International Discussions: Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸 may discuss ways to protect the rights and safety of citizens held in each other’s detention centers.
• Greater Public Awareness: Cases like this can lead to more public attention on the conditions in immigration detention and the challenges faced by detainees.

Conclusion and Takeaways

The death of Johnny Noviello in ICE custody is a sad event that highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of people in immigration detention. While ICE has procedures in place to respond to such incidents, questions remain about the quality of care and the safety of detainees.

Families of detainees should stay informed, reach out for help if needed, and know their rights. Advocacy groups and government officials will likely continue to push for improvements in the system.

As the investigation continues, more information will become available. For now, the case of Johnny Noviello serves as a reminder of the real-life impact of immigration policies and the need for careful oversight and compassion in the treatment of all people held in detention.

For official updates and resources, visit the ICE official website. If you have concerns about a loved one in ICE custody, do not hesitate to seek help from consulates, advocacy groups, or legal professionals.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, incidents like this often lead to renewed calls for transparency, better care, and reforms in the immigration detention system. The hope is that lessons learned from these tragedies will lead to safer and more humane treatment for everyone in custody.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, agency responsible for deportation and detention of non-citizens.
Deportable → A status indicating a non-citizen can legally be removed from the United States.
Racketeering → A criminal offense involving organized illegal business activities, often linked to gangs or drug trafficking.
Defibrillator → A medical device used to restore a normal heartbeat by sending electric pulses or shocks to the heart.
Consulate → A government office in a foreign country assisting its citizens with legal and emergency issues.

This Article in a Nutshell

Johnny Noviello’s death in ICE custody highlights urgent concerns about detainee medical care and safety. While investigations proceed, advocates demand reforms. This case challenges immigration detention policies and stresses the importance of transparency and humane treatment for detainees, sparking international attention between the US and Canada.
— By VisaVerge.com