In a troubling development that has raised fresh questions about conditions inside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers, authorities are now investigating the death of Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old Canadian citizen, who died Monday while in ICE custody. According to a brief statement released by ICE, Noviello passed away at an undisclosed detention facility, making him the 10th person to die in ICE custody in 2025 alone.
The agency confirmed the death but provided few details about the circumstances, citing an ongoing internal investigation and notification of next of kin. ICE’s statement noted only that Noviello died at a medical facility “after exhibiting signs of medical distress” and that “all appropriate protocols” were followed.
However, advocates and human rights organizations are demanding answers and transparency, arguing that the frequency of deaths in ICE custody this year is cause for serious concern. “This is not just a statistic — this was a human being,” said Maria Velasquez, spokesperson for Detention Watch, a nonprofit monitoring ICE facilities. “Ten deaths in six months suggest systemic negligence, not isolated incidents.”
Noviello’s death comes amid growing scrutiny of the conditions within ICE detention centers, especially regarding the treatment of detainees with medical or mental health needs. While details about Noviello’s immigration status or reason for detention remain undisclosed, his death adds to a troubling pattern that watchdog groups say ICE has failed to address.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that it is aware of the death and is offering consular assistance to Noviello’s family. “We are in contact with U.S. authorities and are seeking further information,” a ministry spokesperson stated.
According to ICE’s published data, the agency is currently detaining more than 30,000 individuals in facilities across the United States, with an increasing number of foreign nationals detained for extended periods while awaiting hearings or deportation. Critics have long argued that ICE’s reliance on privately operated detention centers contributes to lapses in medical care and accountability.
“Each death is tragic and preventable,” said Dr. Steven Carroway, a medical ethics professor at George Washington University. “We’ve seen repeated reports of understaffed medical teams, delayed treatment, and a lack of basic oversight. If ICE cannot ensure the safety of those in its custody, then the entire system must be reevaluated.”
Johnny Noviello’s family has not yet spoken publicly, but friends have described him as a quiet man who had been traveling frequently between Canada and the U.S. It is still unclear why he was detained, when he entered ICE custody, or what specific medical condition may have contributed to his death.
ICE says it is cooperating with other federal agencies in conducting a full investigation. The results of the autopsy and any internal findings are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
For now, the death of Johnny Noviello adds another painful chapter to the growing concerns surrounding the United States’ immigration detention system — and leaves one more family grieving with far more questions than answers.
