Fact Check: Canadian man dies in ICE custody; ninth death this year
What We Know
On June 23, 2025, a Canadian citizen named Johnny Noviello, aged 49, was found unresponsive at the Bureau of Prisons Federal Detention Center in Miami while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Medical staff attempted resuscitation, but he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter by the Miami Fire Rescue Department. The cause of death is currently under investigation by ICE (USA Today).
Noviello's death marks the tenth reported death in ICE custody during the fiscal year 2025, which began in October 2024. This figure includes various cases, such as that of a Haitian woman who allegedly endured inhumane conditions while detained (USA Today). Canadian officials have expressed concern and are seeking more information regarding the circumstances surrounding Noviello's death (USA Today).
Analysis
The claim that a Canadian man died in ICE custody and that it was the "ninth death this year" is partially true. While it is accurate that Johnny Noviello died in ICE custody, he is actually the tenth death recorded in the fiscal year 2025, not the ninth. This discrepancy may arise from differing interpretations of the fiscal year timeline or from confusion regarding the count of deaths reported.
The reliability of the source reporting this incident, USA Today, is generally considered high due to its established reputation for journalistic integrity and fact-checking. The article provides direct quotes from officials and includes details about the ongoing investigation, which adds to its credibility (USA Today).
However, it is important to note that the context surrounding ICE custody deaths is complex, with ongoing debates about the treatment of detainees and the conditions in which they are held. Reports of inhumane conditions and the broader implications of immigration enforcement policies contribute to the narrative surrounding these deaths (USA Today).
Conclusion
The claim that a Canadian man died in ICE custody and that it was the ninth death this year is partially true. While Johnny Noviello's death is confirmed, he is the tenth individual to die in ICE custody during the fiscal year 2025. The confusion likely stems from the reporting of death counts and the timing of fiscal year statistics.
