Fact Check: Canadian citizen dies in U.S. ICE custody under mysterious circumstances
What We Know
On June 23, 2025, a Canadian citizen named Johnny Noviello, 49, died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Bureau of Prisons Federal Detention Center in Miami. He was found unresponsive around 1 p.m. and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter by the Miami Fire Rescue Department at 1:36 p.m. Medical staff attempted to revive him using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and an automated external defibrillator (AED) before emergency services were called (ICE, New York Times).
Noviello had a history of legal issues, having been convicted in October 2023 for racketeering and drug trafficking, which led to his detention by ICE as he awaited removal proceedings due to his violations of U.S. drug laws (Independent, Visa Verge). His death marks the 10th reported death in ICE custody in 2025, raising concerns about the conditions and medical care within these facilities (ICE, Visa Verge).
Analysis
The claim that a Canadian citizen died in U.S. ICE custody is accurate; however, the term "mysterious circumstances" requires further scrutiny. While the cause of death is still under investigation, there is no immediate evidence suggesting foul play or negligence on the part of ICE. The agency has protocols in place for medical emergencies, as evidenced by the immediate response of medical staff (ICE, New York Times).
Moreover, the context surrounding Noviello's legal status is critical. He was a lawful permanent resident who had been convicted of serious crimes, which led to his detention under the Trump administration's strict immigration policies aimed at deporting individuals with criminal backgrounds (Independent). This context complicates the narrative of his death as purely mysterious, as it is intertwined with his criminal history and the legal processes he was undergoing.
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with ICE being a primary source of information regarding the incident, while the New York Times and Independent provide independent reporting on the circumstances surrounding Noviello's death. However, it is essential to note that media reports can sometimes sensationalize events, particularly those involving immigration and law enforcement, which may introduce bias.
Conclusion
The claim that a Canadian citizen died in U.S. ICE custody is Partially True. While the facts surrounding the death are accurate, the characterization of the circumstances as "mysterious" lacks sufficient evidence to support such a conclusion. The ongoing investigation into the cause of death and the context of Noviello's criminal history suggest that while the situation is tragic, it is not necessarily indicative of negligence or foul play by ICE.
