Canadian man with epilepsy who died in ICE custody was flagged for health concerns

Globe and Mail

5 days ago

A Canadian man with epilepsy who died in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had been flagged over health concerns prior to his death, a report published by the immigration enforcement agency says.
Johnny Noviello, who died last month at a federally-run prison in Miami, was prescribed medication for seizures and hypertension while incarcerated, but was referred by prison staff to a medical provider in early June for a health assessment, according to the ICE death report made public Wednesday.
The medical provider requested a mental health referral after documenting that Mr. Noviello felt 'sad and depressed.' On June 8, Mr. Noviello refused a medical evaluation but told health care staff the next day that he had not eaten in 'a while,' the report says.
Medical providers found the Canadian man maintained 'poor personal hygiene,' but documented normal vital signs and 'discussed the importance of self-hygiene and proper diet,' according to the ICE report.
A Canadian man died in ICE custody. Now, his family is searching for answers
Human Rights Watch report details abuses at Florida immigration detention centres
Mr. Noviello, 49, died two weeks later, on June 23. The ICE report does not list a cause of death. The Canadian man 'found unresponsive' by prison staff at 12:54 p.m., and medical workers arrived on scene seven minutes later to try to resuscitate him. Miami Fire Rescue Department personnel subsequently performed advanced cardiac life support for half an hour with no response.
Mr. Noviello had spent nearly four decades in Florida where he was a permanent resident, having moved there with his family when he was a child.
In 2023, Mr. Noviello was convicted of several drug-related charges, making him vulnerable to deportation as a non-U.S. citizen. He was arrested by ICE this May at his probation office, amid a sweeping immigration crackdown ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The death report published Wednesday says Mr. Noviello was prescribed anti-convulsants at an ICE detention centre shortly after his arrest. He was also referred to a behavioural health provider.
The behaviour health provider 'recommended a medical provider evaluate him then refer him to mental health if needed,' the report says. Mr. Noviello was then transferred to FDC Miami, which is run by the federal Bureau of Prisons.
The Globe has previously reported that Mr. Noviello's family was concerned over his access to anti-convulsant medication in detention, and that they had struggled to contact him while he was incarcerated at FDC Miami.