ICE goes public with a new report on Canadian man who died in custody

A Canadian who died in ICE custody is documented to have had health concerns, according to a report made public by the U.S. government agency today. While in custody, the 49-year-old was prescribed medication for seizures and hypertension, and recommended to undergo mental health evaluation after he was reported to be feeling “sad and depressed, and refused to go to the medical clinic for an evaluation.”

Here’s what we know about the report and the timeline from when Johnny Noviello was arrested and later found dead .

Johnny Noviello entered the U.S. on a legal visa in 1988 and became a permanent resident in 1991. In 2023, he was convicted on the charges of drug trafficking, racketeering and the unlawful use of two-way communication device used to facilitate commission of crime. He was sentenced to prison for 12 months.

His arrest by ICE came in 2025, wherein he was issued a notice to appear and faced a removability charge.

The 49-year-old was pronounced dead late in June after being found unresponsive in a detention centre in Miami. Respecting the family’s privacy, Global Affairs minister Anita Anand had said at that time “further details will not be provided at this time.”

Today, the Government of Canada was notified of the death of a Canadian citizen while in custody in the United States. Canadian consular officials are urgently seeking more information from US officials. I offer my sincere condolences to the family. In order to respect the…

— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) June 26, 2025

The report released today highlighted health concerns that the officials flagged before he died. Here’s what we know about the timeline since his arrest:

May 15: Noviello was arrested and detained.

May 16: The 49-year-old underwent a routine health inspection. A registered nurse completed the medical intake screening and noted the diagnosis of “hypertension and seizure disorder, slightly elevated blood pressure, high body mass index, and his reported medication list and sent a provider referral” for him. He was prescribed medication.

May 19: A behavioural health provider recommended “a medical provider evaluate him then refer him to mental health if needed.”

May 30: As per the documentation, the Canadian man is said to have refused a health history and a physical exam.

June 8: He was reported to be feeling sad and depressed and is said to have refused a health evaluation at a medical clinic.

June 9: Noviello reportedly maintained poor personal hygiene and stated he had not eaten in “a while.” Documentation revealed his vitals to be normal, and that there was discussion with him around the importance of self-hygiene and proper diet.

June 23: Noviello was found unresponsive and declared dead .

The report by ICE comes as prominent politicians noted the death of the Canadian, and with U.S. ambassador Pete Hoekstra confirming faith in ICE’s “commitment to transparency”.

“My team is following the death of a Canadian citizen while in @ICEgov custody. We will keep the Canadian government informed as ICE completes its investigation,” Hoekstra had posted online a few days after Noviello’s death. “I trust in ICE’s commitment to transparency and to providing a safe environment for all individuals in its care.”

There are 55 Canadians currently detained by ICE, the U.S. agency reported on the figures on July 19.

My team is following the death of a Canadian citizen while in @ICEgov custody. We will keep the Canadian government informed as ICE completes its investigation. I trust in ICE's commitment to transparency and to providing a safe environment for all individuals in its care.

— Ambassador Pete Hoekstra (@USAmbCanada) June 27, 2025

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