A Canadian citizen died in U.S. immigration custody while awaiting deportation, prompting Canadian officials to request more details from the American government. Johnny Noviello, 49, died on June 23 at an ICE detention facility in Florida, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“Medical staff responded immediately and began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillator shock and called 911,” an ICE press release said.
Canadian officials seek answers
Canadian consular officials were notified of Noviello’s death on June 26, according to a statement posted by Anita Anand, Canada’s minister of foreign affairs. Anand said officials are urgently seeking more information from U.S. authorities and offered her “sincere condolences to the family.”
ICE said Noviello had been a permanent resident since 1991 but became subject to removal after a 2023 conviction on federal charges, including racketeering and trafficking controlled substances. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
In 2025, ICE took Noviello into custody at a Florida probation office and issued a removal order based on violations of both federal and state law.
Federal requirements on reporting deaths
ICE says it’s committed to keeping people in its custody safe and treated humanely. The agency says detainees receive medical, dental and mental health screenings within 12 hours of arrival, a full health exam within two weeks and access to regular and emergency care throughout their stay.
A 2018 congressional measure requires ICE to publicly release reports on in-custody deaths within 90 days. As of May 5, ICE reported seven deaths in 2025, amid a rise in immigration enforcement. In 2024, immigration officials reported 12. One recent case involved a man who became unresponsive while being transported to a facility and died despite life-saving efforts.
Noviello’s death is currently under investigation by officials, who will determine the cause of death.
