Fact Check: "Canadian citizen dies in ICE custody, raising urgent questions."
What We Know
On June 26, 2025, it was reported that 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 ICE, he was found unresponsive on June 26, and despite immediate medical intervention, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter by the Miami Fire Rescue Department (ICE, Washington Post, New York Times).
Noviello had a history of legal issues, including a conviction in October 2023 for racketeering and drug trafficking, which led to his detention pending removal proceedings (ICE, USA Today). His death marks the tenth such incident in ICE custody for the year 2025, raising concerns about the treatment of detainees and the conditions within ICE facilities (USA Today).
Analysis
The claim that a Canadian citizen died in ICE custody is substantiated by multiple reputable sources. The reports from ICE, the Washington Post, and the New York Times provide consistent details about the circumstances of Noviello's death, including his age, the timeline of events, and the medical response following his unresponsiveness.
ICE's statement indicates that they are conducting an investigation into the cause of death, which is a standard procedure in such cases (ICE). However, the reliability of ICE as a source can be questioned due to its role in immigration enforcement and potential bias in how it presents information about detainee deaths. Nevertheless, independent media outlets have corroborated the facts, providing a more balanced view of the situation (Washington Post, New York Times).
The context surrounding Noviello's detention, particularly the ongoing immigration policies under the Trump administration, adds another layer to the narrative. The aggressive immigration enforcement strategies have led to increased scrutiny and criticism of ICE practices, particularly regarding the treatment of individuals in custody (USA Today). This backdrop may influence public perception and media coverage of such incidents.
Conclusion
The claim that a Canadian citizen died in ICE custody is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the details surrounding Johnny Noviello's death, including his identity, the circumstances leading to his detention, and the medical response following his collapse. The incident raises significant questions about the conditions within ICE facilities and the broader implications of current immigration policies.
