ICE reports that the Canadian man who passed away in their custody had pre-existing health problems prior to his demise.
In a tragic turn of events, 49-year-old Johnny Noviello, a Canadian citizen and U.S. lawful permanent resident, passed away on June 23, 2025, while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Federal Detention Center in Miami, Florida.
The exact cause of Noviello's death remains undetermined and is currently under investigation by ICE. Key details of the investigation and circumstances surrounding his death include:
- Health issues prior to death: Weeks before dying, Noviello reported multiple health problems, including a newly diagnosed seizure disorder and high blood pressure after entering ICE custody. He was prescribed anticonvulsant and antihypertensive medications.
- Mental health concerns: On June 8, a healthcare provider requested a mental health referral because Noviello reported feeling sadness and depression. He declined to visit the medical clinic for assessment. The next day, he told staff he had not eaten "in a while," and was noted to have poor personal hygiene. Staff discussed with him the importance of self-care and proper diet.
- Medical emergency and response: On June 23 afternoon, prison staff found Noviello unresponsive, without a pulse, and exhibiting low body temperature and low blood sugar levels. Miami Fire Rescue Department emergency responders attempted resuscitation for 30 minutes but pronounced him dead.
- Legal background: Noviello was detained pending removal from the U.S. following a 2023 conviction for racketeering and drug trafficking, resulting in a 12-month prison sentence. He was arrested by ICE at a probation office in May 2025 after serving time in county jail and releasing on probation.
- Family and legal representation: Noviello's lawyer, Dan Leising, described him as a quiet man leading a simple life, who was not considered a threat. The family had expressed concerns about whether Noviello was receiving epilepsy medication during detention; it is unknown if he received all necessary medications in custody.
- Context: Noviello's death was the eighth known immigrant detainee death in ICE custody in 2025.
As of late July 2025, the investigation into the precise medical causes and circumstances of Noviello’s death is ongoing, with ICE and related authorities reviewing medical records and detention conditions.
ICE released a report detailing the events leading up to Noviello's death. On June 23 at 12:54 p.m., staff found Noviello unresponsive. ICE provided notification of the incident to the Canadian consulate by telephone at the time of Noviello's death. Upon arrival at the Federal Detention Center, officials noted Noviello had normal vital signs except for an elevated heart rate and abnormal blood pressure. Ten days before his death, Noviello refused a full physical exam and health history check.
Noviello came to the U.S. in 1988 and became a conditional resident that same year. He was granted lawful permanent resident status in 1991. He was arrested by ICE agents in Daytona Beach, Florida, on May 15. Miami firefighters arrived on the scene at 1:09 p.m. and performed advanced cardiac life-support measures for 30 minutes with no response. Noviello was declared dead at 1:36 p.m. Noviello was sentenced to 12 months in prison in October 2023 after pleading guilty to selling opioid painkillers.
The investigation into Johnny Noviello’s death involves examination of his preexisting health conditions, mental health status, medical care in detention, and circumstances of the fatal medical event, with full findings pending ICE’s ongoing inquiry.
- Johnny Noviello, prior to his death, reported various health conditions, such as seizure disorder and high blood pressure, which emerged after entering ICE custody.
- Mental health concerns were also noted, as Noviello expressed feelings of sadness and depression, and was asked for a mental health referral on June 8, but declined.
- On June 23, a medical emergency occurred, with Noviello found unresponsive with low body temperature and blood sugar levels; despite resuscitation efforts by emergency responders, he was pronounced dead.
- Politically, Noviello was detained for removal from the U.S. following a 2023 conviction for racketeering and drug trafficking, and was arrested by ICE in May 2025.
- The death of Johnny Noviello in ICE custody is one of eight reported immigrant detainee deaths in 2025, and the investigation into the exact medical causes and circumstances of his death is ongoing. The probe includes an examination of his preexisting health conditions, mental health status, medical care in detention, and the circumstances of the fatal medical event.
