Foreign Minister Anita Anand spoke to reporters in The Hague on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The Canadian Press
Around 55 Canadians are currently being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), confirmed Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand during a recent interview.
Anand said Canada’s consular officials are staying in touch with those detained. She added that Canadian authorities are working every day to make sure these individuals are treated fairly while in custody.
“Our work is to ensure that they’re being treated fairly,” said Anand. “That’s the advocacy that consular officials from Global Affairs Canada do every day, not only in the United States, but around the world.”
ICE Crackdown Draws Attention
ICE has come under growing public criticism recently. The agency is now aiming to arrest at least 3,000 people per day.
This is a sharp jump from the earlier number of about 650 daily arrests during the first few months of former President Donald Trump’s second term.
The increased arrests have sparked protests across several U.S. cities. These demonstrations have led to curfews and multiple arrests.
Canadian Dies in ICE Custody
During the same interview, Anand addressed questions about the recent death of a Canadian citizen in ICE custody.
Johnny Noviello, 49, died on June 23 after being held by ICE. He had been arrested on May 15.
Anand confirmed that consular officials had been in contact with him after his detention. However, she said privacy rules prevented her from sharing more details about the case.
Death Investigation Underway
Canada learned about Noviello’s death on Thursday. On that day, Anand posted on social media that Canadian officials were urgently seeking answers from U.S. authorities.
ICE stated that the exact cause of Noviello’s death is still being investigated.
Who Was Johnny Noviello?
Noviello had entered the U.S. on a visa on January 2, 1988. He became a permanent resident in the United States in 1991.
In October 2023, a court in eastern Florida convicted him of racketeering and drug trafficking. He received a one-year prison sentence.
In May 2025, ICE arrested him at a probation office. They charged him with removal for breaking U.S. drug laws.
Minister Offers Support
Anand expressed sympathy to Noviello’s family. She said Canadian officials would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance where needed.
The government is working to ensure that all detained Canadians are treated properly and fairly while held in other countries.
