Canada Demands Answers After Death of Citizen in ICE Custody

 

Overview of the Incident

On June 23, 2025, Johnny Noviello—a 49-year-old Canadian citizen and lawful U.S. permanent resident—was found unresponsive at the Federal Detention Center in Miami, Florida, while undergoing removal proceedings in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)  Emergency medical personnel administered CPR and used a defibrillator, but Noviello was pronounced dead shortly thereafter  The cause of death remains under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Background on Johnny Noviello

• Entry and Legal Status
  Noviello entered the U.S. legally in January 1988 and obtained lawful permanent resident status in October 1991
  

• Criminal Conviction
  In October 2023, he was convicted in Volusia County, Florida, for racketeering and drug trafficking involving opioids, including hydrocodone and oxycodone, and sentenced to 12 months in prison
  

• Immigration Detention
  On May 15, 2025, ICE arrested him at a probation office for “removability” based on his controlled-substance conviction and began removal proceedings

  Canada’s Diplomatic Response

  Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has stated that Ottawa is urgently seeking information from U.S. counterparts regarding:

• The specific cause of death

• Emergency medical response details

• Conditions during detention

• Medication access (Noviello reportedly had epilepsy)
  

Anand reiterated that Canadian consular officials are actively assisting Noviello’s family and advocating for transparency and accountability

Broader Context: ICE Detainee Deaths in 2025

• Noviello is the ninth or tenth person to die in ICE custody in 2025, depending on varying counts across reporting agencies
  

• In Florida alone, he is the fourth detainee to die this year
  

• ICE asserts that “at no time during detention is a detained illegal alien denied emergent care,” and detainees receive medical screenings upon intake, full assessments within 14 days, and 24/7 emergency medical access
  

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Key Issues at Play

1. Medical Care and Epilepsy Treatment

Noviello’s lawyer noted his epilepsy and need for anti-seizure medication. Family members confirmed provision of such medication—but concerns remain over uninterrupted access during detention

2. Detainee Welfare Amid Record Detentions

This death occurs amid an immense surge in ICE arrests, with a strained budget and numerous reports of detainee mistreatment . Critics argue that overcrowding and insufficient healthcare may exacerbate these issues.

3. Diplomatic Friction Between Canada and the U.S.

Canada–U.S. relations have been increasingly strained this year—marked by trade tensions, recourse to tariffs, and even political rhetoric aimed at annexation  Noviello’s death further tests bilateral ties, prompting Ottawa to demand transparency.

4. Legal and Human Rights Considerations

Even individuals with criminal convictions are guaranteed due process and medical care under international law. Many Canadians—including legal commentators—have expressed outrage that any detainee in ICE custody can die under unclear circumstances .

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Investigation Status & Next Steps

• U.S. Authorities: DHS, along with the Office of Inspector General and ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility, is investigating the death. A formal death-reporting dossier must be released within 90 days under U.S. policy

• Canadian Consular Team: Ottawa is requesting detailed records, including medical logs, CCTV footage, and eyewitness testimonies. Family counsel has requested full transparency and independent oversight.

• Potential Diplomatic Escalation: Canada may lodge a formal diplomatic protest (demarche), press for louder public scrutiny, or consider travel advisories—though these would carry economic and political weight.

  flowchart LR
    A[Inequitable ICE Outcomes]
    B[Inconsistent Medical Care]
    C[Increased Diplomatic Tension]
    D[Public Outcry in Canada]
    E[Push for Oversight & Reform]
    F[ICE Policy Update]
    
    A --> B
    B --> C
    C --> D
    D --> E
    E --> F
  

  1. Public concern in Canada is mounting, with calls for firmer protections for nationals abroad.

  2. Legal advocates seek accountability through civil claims and policy reviews.

  3. Canada–U.S. policy may face increased scrutiny, possibly involving legislative oversight or demands for reforms within ICE.

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  What We’re Monitoring

• Release of ICE's detailed Detainee Death Report (within 90 days)

• Canadian Global Affairs updates on consular follow-up

• DHS’s statement of findings, including autopsy results

• Reaction from Canadian Parliament and cross-border media

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In Summary

• What happened: Johnny Noviello died on June 23, 2025, while in ICE custody in Miami; cause of death still unknown.

• Why it matters: Adds to alarming pattern of detainee deaths in 2025 and strains Canada–U.S. relations.

• What’s next: Investigations by both countries; Canada demanding full transparency; potential policy reforms ahead.

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