Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old Canadian citizen and long-time lawful permanent resident of the United States, died on June 23, 2025, while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Federal Detention Center in Miami, Florida. Despite immediate medical interventions, including CPR and defibrillation efforts by facility medical staff and emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at 1:36 p.m. local time. Noviello was detained following his conviction on multiple drug-related charges and was awaiting removal proceedings. The cause of his death remains under investigation amid growing concerns over detainee health and safety in ICE custody.
Details Surrounding the Death of Johnny Noviello
Johnny Noviello, aged 49, was found unresponsive in his cell at the Federal Detention Center in Miami on June 23, 2025. Medical personnel at the facility promptly initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and employed a defibrillator in an attempt to revive him. Emergency medical responders arriving at the scene continued these resuscitation efforts before Noviello was officially pronounced dead at 1:36 p.m. local time.
Background and Custody Status
Noviello was a Canadian citizen and a lawful permanent resident of the United States. He was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following convictions on several drug-related offenses. At the time of his death, Noviello was in custody pending removal proceedings, which are legal processes to determine his deportation status.
Investigation and Official Response
The circumstances leading to Noviello’s death are currently under active investigation. ICE officials have pledged full cooperation with authorities to establish the cause of death. The facility where Noviello died has not released detailed information regarding his health status prior to the incident. This event has intensified scrutiny over the adequacy of healthcare services and the general conditions experienced by detainees in ICE custody.
Concerns Over Detainee Health and Safety
Human rights organizations and advocacy groups have expressed deep concern regarding the treatment and medical care of individuals detained by ICE. This incident adds to a growing list of cases where detainee deaths have prompted calls for reform. Advocates emphasize the need for improved monitoring, transparency, and accountability within immigration detention facilities to prevent future tragedies.
Next Steps and Ongoing Developments
- Authorities will conduct a thorough autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
- ICE will review the detention center’s policies and medical protocols in light of the incident.
- Legal representatives of Noviello’s family have requested access to full medical and detention records.
- The case is expected to draw further attention to detainee rights and immigration enforcement practices.
As investigations proceed, updates will be provided when new information becomes available.
The death of Johnny Noviello in ICE custody highlights ongoing concerns about detainee health and safety within immigration detention centers. While officials continue to investigate the exact circumstances and cause of his death, this case underscores the critical need for enhanced medical care, transparency, and oversight in such facilities. Authorities and advocacy groups alike emphasize that addressing these issues is essential to preventing similar incidents in the future. As the situation develops, further information and potential policy changes are anticipated to ensure improved conditions for detained individuals.