Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old Canadian citizen in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was pronounced dead by the Miami Fire Rescue Department on June 23 at 1:36 p.m. The cause of death is under investigation.
Noviello was detained at the Bureau of Prisons Federal Detention Center while awaiting removal proceedings when he was found unresponsive on June 23 at 12:54 p.m. Medical staff responded with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillator shock, and called 911.
Noviello entered the United States legally on January 2, 1988, and became a lawful permanent resident on October 24, 1991. On October 12, 2023, he was convicted in Volusia County for racketeering and trafficking in controlled substances among other charges and sentenced to one year in prison. He was arrested by ICE on May 15, 2025, charged with removability due to his conviction related to controlled substances.
In line with ICE policy, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) notified the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility via the Integrity Coordination Center about Noviello's death. ERO also informed the Consulate of Canada by phone.
ICE notifies Congress, nongovernmental organizations, stakeholders, and media upon reporting a detainee's death within two business days as per agency policy. This information is available in the ICE.gov Newsroom. According to congressional requirements from the DHS Appropriations Bill of 2018, ICE must publicize all reports regarding an in-custody death within ninety days.
These reports can be accessed on the Detainee Death Reporting page.
ICE emphasizes its commitment to ensuring that individuals in its custody are housed in safe environments with comprehensive medical care provided from arrival throughout their stay. All detainees receive medical screenings within twelve hours upon arrival at detention facilities and have access to full health assessments within fourteen days along with continuous access to medical appointments and emergency care.
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