Canadian Citizen Johnny Noviello Dies in ICE Detention Center in Florida
Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old Canadian citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States, died unexpectedly while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Federal Detention Center in Miami, Florida. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, sparking an ongoing investigation into the cause of his death.
Details Surrounding the Death
According to ICE, Mr. Noviello was found unresponsive around 1 p.m. at the detention facility. Medical personnel promptly responded by administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator before calling 911. Despite these efforts, the Miami Fire Rescue Department pronounced him dead at 1:36 p.m.
The agency confirmed they have informed the Canadian consulate about the tragedy. Canadian officials are urgently seeking further information from U.S. authorities as the cause of death remains under active investigation.
Background: Legal Status and Convictions
Mr. Noviello entered the United States legally in 1988 and obtained permanent resident status in 1991. However, his trajectory took a turn when in October 2023, he was convicted in Volusia County, Florida, on charges of racketeering and drug trafficking involving substances such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. He was sentenced to a 12-month county jail term.
Records indicate that Noviello, alongside his father, was arrested in 2017 for drug sales at an auto sales shop in Daytona Beach, Florida. He served approximately 125 days of his sentence, benefiting from credit for good behavior and time served, before being released to community supervision.
Arrest and Detention Leading to Death
ICE agents apprehended Noviello on May 15 at the Florida Department of Corrections probation office based on his prior drug conviction. Subsequently, he was detained pending removal proceedings, as he was deemed removable due to violations of U.S. drug laws.
This arrest is part of a broader, intensified immigration enforcement campaign under the current administration, which has targeted individuals with criminal convictions for expedited deportation. ICE reports that Noviello is the tenth person to die in their custody so far this year and the fourth in Florida.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations
The U.S. government emphasizes that all detainees receive comprehensive medical care, including health screenings within 12 hours of arrival and continuous access to emergency services.
Meanwhile, the Canadian government has expressed condolences to Noviello's family and is actively engaging with U.S. officials to obtain more information, respecting the family's privacy during this sensitive time.
Context: Immigration Enforcement and Controversy
The death occurs amid an aggressive crackdown on immigration, with executive orders aiming to increase deportations across the nation. The administration has notably expanded apprehensions not only within communities but also in workplaces, courts, and other public venues.
The heightened immigration enforcement efforts have drawn significant attention and scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.
Summary
- Johnny Noviello, a Canadian citizen and U.S. permanent resident, died in ICE custody in Miami on June 23, 2025.
- He was serving a sentence related to drug trafficking and racketeering before being detained for deportation.
- The cause of death is under investigation; medical staff attempted emergency interventions.
- He is the 10th individual to die in ICE custody this year, highlighting concerns around detention conditions.
- Canadian officials are seeking detailed information from U.S. authorities following the incident.
