Fact Check: Canadian Citizen Johnny Noviello Dies in US ICE Custody
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 the Federal Detention Center in Miami, Florida. According to ICE, he was found unresponsive on June 23, 2025, and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter by the Miami Fire Rescue Department (The New York Times) [source-2]. Medical personnel attempted to revive him through cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator before calling 911 (ICE) [source-1].
Noviello had entered the United States in 1988 and became a lawful permanent resident in 1991. He was detained by ICE on May 15, 2025, due to a conviction for racketeering and drug trafficking, which occurred in October 2023. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison for these charges (CNN) [source-5]. His death marks the 10th reported death in ICE custody for that year (The New York Times) [source-2].
Analysis
The claim that Johnny Noviello died in ICE custody is supported by multiple credible sources, including major news outlets and official statements from ICE. The New York Times reported on the incident, detailing the circumstances surrounding his death and his legal history, which aligns with information provided by ICE (The New York Times) [source-2]. CNN also corroborated these details, emphasizing that the Canadian government is seeking more information regarding the circumstances of his death (CNN) [source-5].
The reliability of the sources is high, as both The New York Times and CNN are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. ICE's own statements provide official confirmation of the events, although it is important to note that ICE has a vested interest in presenting information in a manner that reflects positively on its operations. This potential bias should be considered when evaluating the context of the report.
Additionally, the fact that the Canadian consulate is actively seeking more information indicates the seriousness of the situation and the international implications of Noviello's death (CNN) [source-5]. The ongoing investigation into the cause of death further underscores the need for transparency and accountability in such cases.
Conclusion
The claim that Canadian citizen Johnny Noviello died in U.S. ICE custody is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that he was found unresponsive while in custody and subsequently pronounced dead. The context surrounding his detention and the ongoing investigation into his death adds to the gravity of the situation.
