Fact Check: Canadian Man Dies in ICE Custody in Miami
What We Know
On June 23, 2025, a 49-year-old Canadian citizen named Johnny Noviello was found unresponsive in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Bureau of Prisons Federal Detention Center in Miami. Medical staff attempted to revive him through cardiopulmonary resuscitation and used an automated external defibrillator, but he was pronounced dead at 1:36 PM by the Miami Fire Rescue Department (New York Times, Washington Post).
Noviello had entered the United States in 1988 and became a lawful permanent resident in 1991. In October 2023, he was convicted of racketeering and drug trafficking in Florida, leading to his detention by ICE on May 15, 2025, pending removal proceedings due to his drug law violations (ICE, Washington Post). His death marks the 10th fatality in ICE custody for the fiscal year 2025 (USA Today).
Analysis
The claim that a Canadian man died in ICE custody in Miami is substantiated by multiple reputable sources. The New York Times and the Washington Post, both recognized for their journalistic integrity, reported on the incident, confirming the details surrounding Noviello's death and his prior legal issues (New York Times, Washington Post).
ICE's official statement also corroborates the facts, detailing the circumstances of his death and the medical response that followed (ICE). The agency's acknowledgment of the incident and the ongoing investigation into the cause of death adds a layer of credibility to the reports.
However, while the sources are reliable, it is important to note that ICE has faced scrutiny and criticism regarding its treatment of detainees, which may influence public perception and the framing of such incidents. The context of increasing fatalities in ICE custody raises questions about the conditions under which detainees are held and the adequacy of medical care provided (USA Today).
Conclusion
The claim that a Canadian man died in ICE custody in Miami is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Johnny Noviello was found unresponsive while in ICE custody and subsequently pronounced dead. The circumstances surrounding his detention and the ongoing investigation into his death further substantiate the claim.
