Fact Check: Canadian citizen dies in U.S. ICE custody, cause under investigation
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 25, and the cause of death is currently under investigation (Washington Post, USA Today). Noviello had been detained pending removal proceedings following his conviction for racketeering and drug trafficking in Florida earlier in 2023 (ICE). The Canadian government has expressed urgency in seeking more information regarding his death, with Foreign Minister Anita Anand making a statement on social media about the incident (Axios).
Analysis
The claim that a Canadian citizen died in U.S. ICE custody and that the cause is under investigation is supported by multiple credible sources. ICE confirmed the details surrounding Noviello's death, stating that medical staff responded immediately upon discovering him unresponsive and began administering CPR and calling 911 (ICE). The investigation into the cause of death is a standard procedure in such cases, especially given that Noviello is reported to be the eighth person to die in ICE custody in 2025 alone (USA Today).
The sources reporting on this incident, including major news outlets like the Washington Post and USA Today, are generally considered reliable. They provide corroborated information from official statements and are known for their journalistic standards. Furthermore, the involvement of the Canadian government adds an additional layer of scrutiny and urgency to the investigation, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
However, it is important to note that while the cause of death is under investigation, there is no indication of foul play or negligence reported at this time. The procedures followed by ICE in response to the incident appear to align with standard emergency protocols (ICE).
Conclusion
The claim that a Canadian citizen died in U.S. ICE custody, with the cause of death under investigation, is True. The information is substantiated by multiple credible sources, including official statements from ICE and reports from reputable news organizations. The ongoing investigation into the cause of death is a standard response to such incidents, reflecting the seriousness of the matter.
