On June 23, 2025, a Canadian citizen died in ICE custody at a detention facility in Miami, Florida, sending shockwaves through communities on both sides of the border. Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old Canadian and long-time U.S. permanent resident, was found unresponsive at the Federal Detention Center while awaiting deportation. This heartbreaking event has raised urgent questions about the conditions in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities and the treatment of foreign nationals. Canadian officials are demanding answers, and the incident has ignited debates about immigration policies under the current U.S. administration.
Who Was Johnny Noviello?
Johnny Noviello, born in Canada, entered the United States legally in 1988 with a visa and became a permanent resident in 1991. For over three decades, he built a life in the U.S., primarily in Florida. However, his life took a drastic turn after a 2023 conviction for racketeering and drug trafficking, which included charges related to trafficking oxycodone and hydrocodone. Sentenced to 12 months in prison, Noviello was arrested by ICE on May 15, 2025, at a Florida probation office. The agency charged him with removability due to his drug-related conviction, initiating deportation proceedings.
Noviello’s death marks a grim milestone. He is reportedly the ninth person to die in ICE custody in 2025, with four of those deaths occurring in Florida facilities alone. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s office is investigating the cause of death, which remains undisclosed as of June 27, 2025. This lack of clarity has fueled public concern and demands for transparency.
Canadian Citizen Died in ICE Custody: The Incident
The tragedy unfolded on a Monday afternoon when staff at the Federal Detention Center in Miami found Noviello unresponsive. Medical personnel immediately attempted life-saving measures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator. Despite their efforts, Miami Fire Rescue pronounced him dead at 1:36 p.m. ICE has stated that Noviello received medical screenings upon entering custody, as is standard procedure, but no preliminary cause of death has been shared. This silence has left many questioning whether adequate care was provided.
Canadian consular officials were notified promptly, and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressed condolences while emphasizing the need for more information. The Canadian government is actively seeking details from U.S. authorities, highlighting the urgency of understanding how a citizen of an allied nation died under such circumstances.
Key Points Summary
- Victim: Johnny Noviello, 49, Canadian citizen and U.S. permanent resident since 1991.
- Date of Death: June 23, 2025, at 1:36 p.m., at the Federal Detention Center in Miami.
- Cause: Under investigation by the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s office.
- Context: Noviello faced deportation due to a 2023 drug trafficking conviction.
- Response: Canadian officials demand answers; public outrage grows over ICE conditions.
Why Was Noviello in Custody?
Noviello’s detention stemmed from his 2023 conviction in Volusia County, Florida. Authorities charged him with serious offenses, including racketeering and drug trafficking. After serving a one-year sentence, ICE targeted him for deportation, citing his controlled-substance conviction as grounds for removability. This aligns with the current U.S. administration’s aggressive immigration policies, which prioritize deporting non-citizens with criminal records. ICE arrested Noviello during a routine probation visit, a move that has drawn criticism for its timing and necessity, given his long-term residency in the U.S.
Social media platforms like X have erupted with reactions, with some users calling the detention excessive for a permanent resident. Others argue that Noviello’s criminal history justified ICE’s actions. The polarized discourse reflects broader tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in 2025.
Conditions in ICE Facilities Under Scrutiny
The incident has reignited concerns about the conditions in ICE detention centers. Reports indicate that at least 185 people have died in ICE custody since 2003, with 2025 seeing a troubling uptick. Florida, in particular, has become a focal point, with four deaths in its facilities this year. Critics, including Florida lawmakers and civil rights advocates, are calling for stronger oversight of ICE operations. They point to issues like inadequate medical care and overcrowded facilities as potential factors in these tragedies.
ICE maintains that detainees receive comprehensive medical care, including screenings within 12 hours of arrival and 24-hour emergency access. However, the lack of transparency regarding Noviello’s death has fueled skepticism. Advocates argue that foreign nationals, even those with criminal records, deserve humane treatment while in custody.
Canadian Citizen Died in ICE Custody: International Implications
The death of a Canadian citizen in ICE custody has strained U.S.-Canada relations, already tense due to recent U.S. rhetoric about Canada’s role in immigration. Some Canadians have expressed reluctance to travel to the U.S., citing fears of aggressive immigration enforcement. The Canadian government’s call for answers underscores the diplomatic weight of this incident. Foreign Minister Anand’s public statement on X emphasized Ottawa’s commitment to seeking clarity, signaling that Canada views this as a serious matter.
This case also highlights broader issues with the detention of foreign nationals. For instance, earlier in 2025, a British Columbia resident was detained at the U.S.-Mexico border while renewing a work visa. Such incidents raise questions about the fairness and consistency of ICE’s approach to non-U.S. citizens.
Public and Political Reactions
The news has sparked outrage across social media platforms. On X, users have described Noviello’s death as “outrageous” and questioned the conditions in ICE facilities. One post lamented the silence surrounding the incident, arguing that a Canadian’s death in U.S. custody should prompt stronger international condemnation. Others have criticized the U.S. administration’s immigration crackdown, which includes executive orders to expand detention capacity, such as using Guantánamo Bay for migrants.
In Canada, political figures have expressed concern. The government’s swift response suggests potential diplomatic repercussions if the investigation reveals negligence. Meanwhile, U.S. officials defend their policies, noting that ICE targets individuals with criminal convictions to protect national security.
What Happens Next?
The investigation into Noviello’s death is ongoing, with ICE required to release a report within 90 days, per congressional mandate. This report will likely detail the circumstances of his detention and the medical care provided. Until then, speculation and concern will continue to grow. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s findings will be critical in determining whether systemic issues, such as inadequate healthcare, played a role.
For now, Noviello’s family is planning his funeral, grappling with the loss of a loved one under tragic circumstances. The broader implications of this case could influence U.S. immigration policy and Canada’s approach to protecting its citizens abroad.
Stay informed about this developing story by following reputable news outlets and official statements from Canadian and U.S. authorities. Share your thoughts on social media to raise awareness about the treatment of detainees in ICE facilities. Your voice can help demand accountability and justice.