MIAMI, Florida - A 49-year-old Canadian man, Johnny Noviello, died on Monday while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Bureau of Prisons Federal Detention Center in Miami. The cause of death is currently under investigation [1][2][3][4][5].

According to ICE officials, Noviello was found unresponsive at approximately 1 p.m. on Monday. Medical staff immediately administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation and used an automated external defibrillator while emergency services were called. Despite these efforts, Noviello was pronounced dead by the Miami Fire Rescue Department at 1:36 p.m. [2].

Noviello's history in the United States dates back to 1988 when he entered the country on a legal visa. He became a lawful permanent resident in 1991 [2][3][4][5]. However, his legal status changed following a conviction in October 2023 for racketeering and drug trafficking charges in Volusia County, Florida. He was sentenced to one year in prison for these offenses [2][3][4][5].

Last month, ICE agents apprehended Noviello at his probation office. He was subsequently charged with removability from the United States due to his drug conviction [3][4][5]. At the time of his death, Noviello was being detained pending removal proceedings [2][3][4][5].

ICE has notified the Canadian consulate about Noviello's death, as per standard procedure [2]. The agency's statement did not provide details about any pre-existing medical conditions or circumstances that might have contributed to Noviello's death.

This incident marks the eighth death of an immigration detainee in federal custody this year. In 2024, there were 11 reported deaths of individuals in ICE detention [3][4][5]. These statistics highlight ongoing concerns about the conditions and healthcare provisions in immigration detention facilities.

As the investigation into Noviello's death continues, questions remain about the circumstances leading to this incident and the overall state of healthcare and safety measures in ICE detention facilities. The outcome of this investigation may have implications for policies and procedures in immigration detention centers across the United States.