Canadian permanent resident dies in ICE custody after preventable kidney failure, family seeks answers
Jun 23, 2025·Location: Washington, DC

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
Sources
- The Hill
- More Detention Means More Deaths, Family Separation, and Private Prison Profits — Freedom for Immigrants
- Health worker at ICE facility failed to treat detained Canadian’s symptoms before he died, complaint says
theglobeandmail.com·Jun 2, 2026·archived copy
- Autopsy of Canadian in ICE custody indicates his death was preventable, experts say
theglobeandmail.com·Feb 10, 2026·archived copy
- FBI investigating death of Canadian man detained by ICE in Florida
theglobeandmail.com·Sep 15, 2025·archived copy
- A Canadian man died in ICE custody. Now, his family is searching for answers
theglobeandmail.com·Jul 11, 2025·archived copy
- Canadian citizen dies while in U.S. ICE custody in Florida - National
globalnews.ca·Jun 26, 2025·archived copy
- Canadian who died in ICE custody had health issues before his death: agency - National
globalnews.ca·Jul 23, 2025·archived copy
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