Johnny Noviello, a Canadian citizen, died while in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at a Florida detention center this week
Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old Canadian citizen and U.S. green card holder, died this week while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a Florida detention facility. He was facing deportation following a 2023 conviction related to drug trafficking and racketeering.
According to ICE, Noviello was found unresponsive, prompting an immediate medical response. “Staff administered CPR, used an automated external defibrillator, and called 911,” ICE said in a statement. The exact cause of death is still under investigation.
Who Was Johnny Noviello?
Noviello entered the United States legally on a visa in January 1988 and became a lawful permanent resident in October 1991. He lived in Florida and co-owned Daytona Auto Sales in Daytona Beach with his father, Angelo Noviello.
Friends and legal representatives described him as quiet and kind. A high school friend, Lisa Edelston, recalled him working as a cashier at Dollar Tree, while his defense attorney, Daniel Leising, described him as “unassuming and friendly.” Noviello also suffered from epilepsy and required daily medication for seizure management.
Criminal Conviction and Immigration Detention
Noviello and his father were arrested by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 2017 for allegedly selling large quantities of opioid painkillers—including nearly 2,000 tablets of oxycodone, methadone, morphine, and hydromorphone—out of their used car dealership. His bond was set at $1 million; his father’s, at $72 million.
In October 2023, Noviello was convicted in Volusia County, Florida, on multiple charges: racketeering, trafficking in oxycodone (7–14 grams), trafficking in other illegal drugs, trafficking in hydrocodone, and unlawful use of communication devices to facilitate a crime. He was sentenced to one year in jail but was released after serving roughly 125 days due to time served and good behavior. His remaining sentence was converted to probation in early 2025.
In May, ICE took him into custody at a Florida Department of Corrections probation office, issuing a Notice to Appear for deportation proceedings. Despite his green card status, ICE classified him as a “non-immigrant overstay” because of his drug convictions, making him removable under U.S. immigration law.
International Response and Investigation
ICE has notified the Canadian Consulate, members of Congress, and several NGOs. Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, confirmed that consular officials are seeking more information. While offering condolences, the Canadian government declined to release further details due to privacy concerns.
