Canadian Man Dies in U.S. ICE Custody After Being Targeted for Deportation Due to Drug Conviction, Lived in U.S. Since 1991

According to ICE, 49-year-old Johnny Noviello was found unresponsive on June 23 at the Federal Detention Center in Miami, Florida. Detention staff administered CPR and used a defibrillator while emergency services were called. He was pronounced dead by Miami Fire Rescue at 1:36 p.m., approximately 40 minutes after being discovered. The cause of death is under investigation.

Noviello entered the United States legally with a visa in January 1988 and became a lawful permanent resident in 1991. In October 2023, he was convicted in Florida for racketeering and drug trafficking, including charges related to the distribution of oxycodone and hydrocodone. He was sentenced to 12 months in state prison.

On May 15, less than two months before his death, ICE agents arrested Noviello at a probation office and charged him with removal under federal immigration law due to his drug-related convictions.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed the government is aware of Noviello’s death and is seeking more information from U.S. officials. She also extended condolences to his family. Canadian consular officials have been notified.

ICE says the death is being reviewed by multiple agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility.