Canadian National in ICE Custody Dies in Miami Detention Facility.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed the death of a 49-year-old Canadian citizen, Johnny Noviello, while in federal custody in Miami.

According to ICE, Noviello was found unresponsive at the Bureau of Prisons Federal Detention Center on June 23 at 12:54 p.m. Facility medical staff began CPR, used an automated external defibrillator, and called 911. The Miami Fire Rescue Department pronounced him dead at 1:36 p.m. The cause of death is under investigation.

Background

Records show Noviello entered the United States legally on January 2, 1988, and became a lawful permanent resident in 1991. On October 12, 2023, he was convicted in Volusia County, Florida, of racketeering, multiple counts of drug trafficking (including Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, and other illegal drugs), and unlawful use of a two-way communication device to commit a crime. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

On May 15, 2025, ICE arrested Noviello at a Florida Department of Corrections probation office. He was charged with immigration violations related to his drug convictions and being a non-immigrant overstay.

Notifications and Reporting

Following ICE policy, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) notified the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility. The Canadian Consulate was contacted by phone.

ICE states it informs Congress, nongovernmental organization stakeholders, and the media following the official confirmation of an in-custody death. Details are posted publicly on the ICE website within two business days, and full reports are made public within 90 days, in line with the 2018 DHS Appropriations Bill requirements.

Medical Care in Custody

ICE says it provides comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health screenings within 12 hours of an individual’s arrival at a detention facility and a full health assessment within 14 days. Detainees have access to regular medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. The agency emphasized that emergency treatment is never denied to anyone in its custody.