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Canadian permanent resident dies in ICE custody after preventable kidney failure, family seeks answers

Jun 23, 2025·Location: Washington, DC

Canadian permanent resident dies in ICE custody after preventable kidney failure, family seeks answers
Photo via freedomforimmigrants.org

Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old Canadian permanent resident and U.S. citizen since 1991, died on June 23, 2025, in ICE custody at Federal Detention Center Miami after being detained for approximately 40 days. He was arrested by ICE on May 15 in Daytona Beach and transferred to the Miami facility on May 19 following a 2023 drug trafficking conviction and faced removal proceedings. An autopsy determined he died from acute kidney failure caused by calcium oxalate crystal deposits. Six kidney specialists concluded the death was preventable, noting symptoms would have been detectable for days and treatable through dialysis. ICE records documented he had health issues including hypertension, convulsions, and abnormal vital signs during detention. A complaint alleges Bureau of Prisons medical staff failed to document an evaluation or create a treatment plan after he appeared dizzy and unstable. The FBI is investigating his death.

Timeline

Jun 23, 2025—Noviello found unresponsive at Federal Detention Center Miami and pronounced dead; medical staff attempted CPR and resuscitation
Jun 23, 2025—Autopsy determined acute kidney failure as cause of death; six kidney specialists concluded death was preventable and treatable
Jun 23, 2025—FBI began investigation into death; complaint filed to Justice Department alleging medical staff failed to document evaluation or create treatment plan despite observable symptoms
May 19, 2025—Noviello transferred to Federal Detention Center Miami
May 15, 2025—Johnny Noviello arrested by ICE in Daytona Beach following 2023 drug trafficking conviction
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