An investigation revealed that the Canadian individual who passed away while under the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had been dealing with various health issues in the weeks leading up to the tragic event. The report was made public on Wednesday, exactly a month after Johnny Noviello, aged 49, was discovered unresponsive at a federal detention facility in Miami.
Shortly after Noviello was detained by ICE, he was diagnosed with a seizure disorder and high blood pressure. Medical records indicate that he was given medications for these conditions to manage them effectively.
Having resided in the United States since 1988 and obtaining lawful permanent residency status in 1991, Noviello had a history of criminal convictions, including racketeering and drug trafficking, in 2023. He was serving a 12-month sentence in prison at the time of his arrest by ICE at a Florida probation office on May 15.
Despite his lawyer’s assertions that Noviello had not violated his probation terms, he was held in custody by ICE for impending removal procedures.
Concerns about Noviello’s mental health were raised on June 8 when he expressed feelings of sadness and depression and declined a medical evaluation. The following day, he mentioned to staff that he had not eaten for an extended period.
Medical personnel noted Noviello’s poor personal hygiene during an evaluation prompted by a behavioral health provider’s request. Discussions were held regarding the importance of self-care and maintaining a proper diet.
Tragically, on June 23, prison staff found Noviello unconscious, with no pulse, and displaying low body temperature and blood sugar levels. Despite efforts by the Miami Fire Rescue Department to revive him for thirty minutes, Noviello was pronounced dead.
The exact cause of Noviello’s death remains unknown and is currently under investigation.
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