Fact Check: Canadian Citizen Dies in ICE Custody, Prompting Urgent Investigation
What We Know
On June 26, 2025, Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old Canadian citizen, died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a federal detention center in Miami. According to an ICE statement, he was found unresponsive and medical staff attempted to revive him through cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation, but he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter (ICE). The Canadian government, represented by Foreign Minister Anita Anand, has expressed concern and is seeking more information regarding the circumstances surrounding his death (Washington Post).
Noviello had been a U.S. permanent resident since 1991 and was detained by ICE due to recent convictions related to racketeering and drug trafficking, which led to his pending removal proceedings (USA Today). His death marks the eighth reported death in ICE custody in 2025, raising alarms about the treatment and conditions within the detention system (CBC).
Analysis
The claim that a Canadian citizen died in ICE custody is substantiated by multiple reputable sources. The ICE statement confirms the death and outlines the immediate medical response that took place. Furthermore, the involvement of the Canadian government indicates a serious concern regarding the incident, which adds credibility to the claim (ICE, Washington Post).
However, it is important to note that the cause of death is currently under investigation, and no definitive conclusions have been reached regarding the circumstances leading to Noviello's passing. The urgency expressed by Canadian officials suggests that they are actively seeking transparency and accountability from U.S. authorities (USA Today).
The sources used in this analysis include government statements, news articles from established media outlets, and reports from ICE itself. Each source has a varying degree of reliability; ICE's statements are official but may be subject to scrutiny due to potential biases in favor of the agency. Conversely, independent news outlets like the Washington Post and USA Today provide a broader context and are generally regarded as reliable sources of information.
Conclusion
The claim that a Canadian citizen died in ICE custody, prompting an urgent investigation, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Johnny Noviello passed away while detained by ICE, and the Canadian government is actively seeking further details regarding the incident. The ongoing investigation into the cause of death underscores the seriousness of this situation and the need for transparency in ICE's operations.
