Fact Check: Canadian officials express condolences over Noviello's death in U.S. 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 a detention center in Florida on June 23, 2025. His death has raised significant concerns, prompting Canadian officials to seek more information regarding the circumstances surrounding it. According to reports, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that Canadian consular officials were in contact with Noviello as soon as they learned of his detention and expressed condolences to his family, saying, "I offer my sincere condolences to the family" (CBC, USA Today, Axios).
Noviello had been in the U.S. since 1988 and became a lawful permanent resident in 1991. He was arrested by ICE in May 2025 due to a prior conviction for racketeering and drug trafficking, for which he had received a 12-month prison sentence (CBC, USA Today). The cause of his death is currently under investigation, and it has been reported that he was found unresponsive after medical staff attempted resuscitation (USA Today, HuffPost).
Analysis
The claim that Canadian officials expressed condolences over Noviello's death is supported by multiple credible sources. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand's statements confirm that the Canadian government is actively seeking information about the incident and has reached out to the family to express their condolences (CBC, Axios). This indicates a formal recognition of the situation by Canadian authorities, which aligns with standard diplomatic practices in cases involving citizens who die abroad.
The sources reporting on this incident, including CBC and USA Today, are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. They provide detailed accounts of the events leading up to Noviello's death and the subsequent actions taken by Canadian officials. The reliability of these sources is further bolstered by the fact that they include direct quotes from government officials and legal representatives involved in the case, allowing for a clearer understanding of the context and implications of the situation.
However, it is important to note that while the condolences have been expressed, the investigation into the circumstances of Noviello's death is ongoing, and the full details may not yet be available. This uncertainty does not detract from the veracity of the claim regarding the condolences but highlights the complexity of the situation.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that Canadian officials expressed condolences over Johnny Noviello's death while in U.S. custody is substantiated by credible sources, including statements from Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand. The Canadian government is actively seeking further information and has formally expressed sympathy to Noviello's family, confirming the accuracy of the claim.
