Fact Check: "Noviello was detained for drug trafficking but had a legal visa status since 1988."
What We Know
Johnny Noviello, a Canadian citizen, entered the United States in 1988 with a legal visa status and became a lawful permanent resident in 1991 (source-1, source-2). In October 2023, he was convicted of racketeering and drug trafficking in Volusia County, Florida, and subsequently sentenced to 12 months in prison (source-1, source-4). Prior to his conviction, he had been arrested in 2017 for selling controlled substances, including hydrocodone and oxycodone (source-2, source-5). He was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on May 15, 2023, due to his drug-related convictions, which made him removable from the U.S. (source-3, source-4).
Analysis
The claim that "Noviello was detained for drug trafficking but had a legal visa status since 1988" is supported by multiple credible sources. All sources confirm that Noviello entered the U.S. legally in 1988 and later became a lawful permanent resident in 1991 (source-1, source-4). His criminal history, which includes a conviction for drug trafficking, is well-documented and corroborated by various news outlets (source-2, source-5).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include statements from ICE, reputable news organizations like The New York Times and the Associated Press, and official government communications. These sources provide a consistent narrative regarding Noviello's legal status and the circumstances surrounding his detention and subsequent death in ICE custody.
Conclusion
The claim that "Noviello was detained for drug trafficking but had a legal visa status since 1988" is True. The evidence clearly indicates that he entered the U.S. legally and was later convicted of drug trafficking, which led to his detention by ICE.
