Fact Check: Canadian citizen Johnny Noviello died in ICE custody under investigation.

Fact Check: "Canadian citizen Johnny Noviello died in ICE custody under investigation."

What We Know

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. He was found unresponsive on June 26, 2025, and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter by the Miami Fire Rescue Department (ICE, Washington Post). Noviello had been detained pending removal proceedings due to previous convictions for racketeering and drug trafficking, for which he had been sentenced to 12 months in prison (New York Times). The cause of his death is currently under investigation, and ICE has stated that medical staff responded immediately upon discovering him unresponsive (ICE).

Analysis

The claim that Johnny Noviello died in ICE custody is supported by multiple credible sources. The ICE statement confirms the circumstances of his death and the ongoing investigation into the cause (ICE). The Washington Post and New York Times provide additional context regarding his legal status and the events leading up to his detention, including his prior convictions and the nature of his removal proceedings (Washington Post, New York Times).

The reliability of these sources is generally high; both the Washington Post and New York Times are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The ICE statement is an official communication from the agency, which adds to its credibility.

However, it is important to note that while the circumstances of his death are confirmed, the exact cause remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing (CBC). This aspect of the story highlights the complexities surrounding deaths in custody, which often lead to calls for transparency and accountability.

Conclusion

The claim that Johnny Noviello died in ICE custody under investigation is True. Multiple credible sources confirm that he was found unresponsive while detained by ICE, and the agency is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. The details provided by ICE and corroborated by major news outlets lend significant weight to the veracity of this claim.

Sources

1. Canadian national in ICE custody passes away
2. Canadian Johnny Noviello dies in ICE custody in Miami
3. Canadian Citizen Dies at ICE Detention Center in Florida
4. Canadian who died in ICE custody lived a 'simple life,' his lawyer says
5. Canadian citizen dies in ICE custody; Ottawa ‘urgently seeking’ information