Canadian citizen dies while detained by ICE in Florida

In the United States, a Canadian national named Johnny Noviello, aged 49, died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as he awaited deportation. On June 23, 2025, he was found unresponsive at the Bureau of Prisons Federal Detention Center in Miami. Emergency medical staff responded quickly, administering CPR and using an automated external defibrillator, but Noviello was pronounced dead shortly after at 1:36 PM. The exact cause of death is currently under investigation, and it has raised concerns and inquiries from the Canadian government, seeking clarification on the incident. Having entered the U.S. on a valid visa in 1988 and later obtaining lawful permanent resident status in 1991, Noviello's legal troubles escalated when he was convicted of federal charges, including drug trafficking and racketeering, in 2023. After serving four months in county jail, he was released under community control and placed on probation. However, on May 15, 2025, he was arrested by ICE at a Florida probation office due to his past convictions, leading to proceedings for removal from the U.S. Noviello’s case adds to the disturbing statistic of deaths in ICE custody. He is reported to be the tenth individual to die under ICE jurisdiction in the 2025 fiscal year, which began in October 2024. In this context, there have been multiple calls for transparency regarding the treatment of detainees, particularly following such tragic incidents. Concerns regarding the agency’s protocols in handling medical emergencies and the adequacy of care provided to detainees, especially those with pre-existing conditions, have been highlighted following his passing. The Canadian government responded promptly upon learning of Noviello's death, with Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressing condolences to the family and emphasizing the urgency of obtaining more details from U.S. authorities about what transpired. The combination of his medical history, including being reportedly on seizure medication, with the circumstances leading to his detention has sparked discussions about the conditions faced by detainees, particularly those like Noviello who have health concerns. As of now, investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his death and whether ICE protocols were adequately followed, drawing attention to the broader implications of immigration enforcement policies in the U.S.