Fact Check: "Noviello died while awaiting deportation after a 2023 drug conviction."
What We Know
Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old Canadian citizen, died on June 23, 2025, while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Bureau of Prisons Federal Detention Center in Miami, Florida. He was found unresponsive, and despite medical staff administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation and calling 911, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter by the Miami Fire Rescue Department (see ICE statement, New York Times).
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 Volusia County, Florida, and sentenced to 12 months in prison. Following his release, he was arrested by ICE on May 15, 2025, due to his drug convictions, which led to his detention pending removal proceedings (see Washington Post, CNN).
Analysis
The claim that "Noviello died while awaiting deportation after a 2023 drug conviction" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The timeline of events indicates that after his drug-related convictions in October 2023, he was detained by ICE in May 2025, which aligns with the assertion that he was awaiting deportation at the time of his death (see ICE statement, New York Times).
The sources used in this fact-check are reputable, including major news outlets like the New York Times and the Washington Post, which have a history of reliable reporting. The information provided by ICE is also a primary source, detailing the circumstances surrounding Noviello's death and his legal status.
However, it is important to note that while the sources confirm his drug conviction and subsequent detention, the specific circumstances leading to his death remain under investigation. This aspect does not detract from the validity of the claim regarding his status at the time of death but highlights the need for caution in interpreting the cause of death.
Conclusion
The claim that "Noviello died while awaiting deportation after a 2023 drug conviction" is True. The evidence clearly indicates that Johnny Noviello was in ICE custody due to his drug convictions and was awaiting removal proceedings at the time of his death.
