Fact Check: Canadian citizen dies in US ICE custody amid deportation proceedings
What We Know
On June 23, 2025, a 49-year-old Canadian citizen named Johnny Noviello was found unresponsive while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a federal detention center in Miami, Florida. Medical personnel attempted to revive him, but he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter by the Miami Fire Rescue Department at 1:36 p.m. (ICE, [source-1]). The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation, and ICE has stated that it provided comprehensive medical care throughout his detention (Washington Post, [source-3]).
Noviello had entered the United States in 1988 with a legal visa and became a lawful permanent resident in 1991. However, he was arrested by ICE on May 15, 2025, following a conviction for racketeering and drug trafficking, which led to his detention pending removal proceedings (New York Times, [source-2]; CBC, [source-6]). His death marks the 10th fatality in ICE custody for the year 2025 and the fourth in Florida (ICE, [source-1]).
Analysis
The claim that a Canadian citizen died in ICE custody amid deportation proceedings is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The official statement from ICE confirms the details surrounding Noviello's death, including the timeline and the medical response (ICE, [source-1]). The New York Times and CBC also corroborate these facts, providing additional context regarding his legal status and the circumstances leading to his detention (New York Times, [source-2]; CBC, [source-6]).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include official statements from ICE and reputable news organizations that have covered the story extensively. The Washington Post's report highlights Canada's response, indicating that the Canadian government is actively seeking more information regarding the incident (Washington Post, [source-3]). This further emphasizes the significance of the event and the international implications of a Canadian citizen's death in U.S. custody.
While some sources may have varying levels of detail, the core facts remain consistent across reports. The investigation into the cause of death is ongoing, which is standard procedure in such cases, and does not detract from the veracity of the claim.
Conclusion
The claim that a Canadian citizen died in U.S. ICE custody amid deportation proceedings is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that Johnny Noviello was indeed in ICE custody when he died, and the circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.
