55 Canadians detained by ICE as Ottawa demands urgent answers after shocking death in US custody

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, confirmed Friday(June 27) that approximately 55 Canadians are currently being held by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), amid growing scrutiny of US immigration enforcement policies and following the death of a Canadian citizen in ICE custody earlier this week.

“Our work is to ensure that they’re being treated fairly,” Anand told CTV News. “That’s the advocacy that consular officials from Global Affairs Canada do every day, not only in the United States, but around the world.”

Canadian’s death in ICE custody

The minister’s remarks come as both countries face mounting questions over the death of Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old Canadian citizen who died in ICE custody on June 23 in Miami, Florida.

According to ICE, Noviello had been detained since May 15, after being arrested at a Florida probation office for violating US drug laws. He had entered the US on a visa in 1988 and became a permanent resident three years later. He was convicted in eastern Florida of racketeering and drug trafficking and sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Noviello’s death was made known to Canadian officials on Thursday, prompting Anand to announce that Ottawa is urgently seeking more information from US authorities. The cause of death remains under investigation, according to ICE.

Anand, speaking from The Hague, Netherlands, said Canadian consular officials had been in contact with Noviello throughout his detention but declined to release further details due to privacy laws. She also expressed condolences to Noviello’s family.

ICE operations have drawn growing criticism in recent weeks after Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, announced plans to dramatically escalate enforcement activity, targeting 3,000 arrests per day, a sharp rise from the 650 daily average during the first five months of President Trump’s second term.

The announcement has triggered widespread protests and curfews across major US cities, as immigrant advocacy groups warn of civil rights violations and lapses in medical care inside ICE facilities.

For now, Canada says it will continue to press for transparency.

“We’re following up with US officials,” Anand said. “We take the safety and rights of Canadian citizens abroad extremely seriously.”