Fact Check: "Noviello was detained for drug trafficking despite having a green card."
What We Know
Johnny Noviello, a Canadian citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States since 1991, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following his conviction for drug trafficking and racketeering in Volusia County, Florida, in 2023. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison for these charges (Washington Post, New York Times). After serving his sentence, he was taken into custody by ICE on May 15, 2023, pending removal proceedings due to his drug-related convictions (ICE, International Business Times).
Noviello was found unresponsive in ICE custody on June 23, 2025, and later pronounced dead, with the cause of death currently under investigation (ICE, USA Today).
Analysis
The claim that Noviello was detained for drug trafficking despite having a green card is accurate. He was indeed a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) at the time of his arrest by ICE, which was a direct result of his criminal convictions related to drug trafficking. The timeline of events shows that after his conviction in 2023, he was sentenced and subsequently detained by ICE for removal proceedings due to his criminal history (Washington Post, New York Times).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with major news outlets such as the Washington Post and the New York Times providing detailed accounts of Noviello's legal troubles and subsequent detention. ICE's official statement also corroborates the facts surrounding his detention and the circumstances leading to his death (ICE).
While the claim is supported by reliable sources, it is essential to note that the context of immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration has been contentious, which may influence public perception of such cases. However, the factual basis of the claim remains intact regardless of the political context.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Johnny Noviello was detained for drug trafficking despite having a green card is true. He was a lawful permanent resident who was detained by ICE following his conviction for drug trafficking and racketeering, leading to his removal proceedings.
Sources
- Canadian national in ICE custody passes away
- Coventry's history – Coventry City Council
- Canadian Johnny Noviello dies in ICE custody in Miami
- Canadian Citizen Dies at ICE Detention Center in Florida
- Coventry - Wikipedia
- Coventry University
- Canadian Dies in ICE Custody: Who Is Johnny Noviello? US Green Card Holder
- Canadian dies in ICE custody at Florida detention center
