Full Breakdown
U.S. Citizens Detained by ICE: A Case Study of Sundas Naqvi and Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez
3/9/2026, 9:48:08 PM
Overview of the Detentions
In recent weeks, two significant incidents involving the detention of U.S. citizens by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have raised concerns about civil rights and the agency's operational transparency. Sundas “Sunny” Naqvi, a 28-year-old U.S. citizen from Illinois, was detained at O’Hare Airport in Chicago after returning from a work trip to Istanbul. Alongside her, two other American citizens and three green-card holders were also held due to what federal officials described as a “curious travel history.” Naqvi was detained for approximately 43 hours before her release on Sunday, raising questions about the rationale behind her detention.
Background and Context
The detention of U.S. citizens by ICE is a contentious issue, particularly given the agency's mandate to focus on non-citizens. Reports have surfaced over the past year indicating that ICE has detained American citizens during protests and operations, leading to public outcry and calls for accountability. Naqvi's case exemplifies the growing concern regarding the agency's practices, especially as it operates under the scrutiny of a partial government shutdown.
Key Figures Involved
- Sundas “Sunny” Naqvi: The U.S. citizen detained at O’Hare Airport.
- Kevin Morrison: Cook County Commissioner who has called for transparency and accountability regarding ICE's actions.
- Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez: A Colombian national and mother of a deaf child, who was detained alongside her children during a routine ICE check-in in San Francisco.
Criticism and Opposition
Local officials and community leaders have expressed outrage over the detentions. Commissioner Morrison stated, “The fact that this could happen to any U.S. citizen should terrify us all.” Kat Abughazaleh, a Democratic congressional candidate, emphasized the need for community action to prevent such incidents from becoming the norm. In the case of Gutierrez, her attorney, Nikolas De Bremaeker, criticized ICE for its handling of the family’s detention and deportation, alleging that they were misled about their whereabouts, which hindered legal recourse.
Official Statements & Responses
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has defended its actions, asserting that Gutierrez received due process and that ICE does not separate families. A spokesperson stated, “Parents are given a choice: They can be removed with their children or place them with a safe person they designate.” However, De Bremaeker contested this, arguing that the family was not adequately informed of their rights and options.
What's Next
In response to these incidents, local officials are calling for Congress to investigate the practices of DHS and ICE, particularly regarding the detention of U.S. citizens. There is a push for greater oversight of the agency, especially as it operates under a funding lapse that complicates its operations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We need transparency, we need accountability and we need to make sure that we are incredibly mindful of the steps we must take as a nation to protect all of our civil rights and civil liberties. The fact that this could happen to any U.S. citizen should terrify us all.” — Kevin Morrison, Cook County Commissioner
- “They were only brought home after their families and our community refused to back down and kept asking for answers. This is going to be the new normal if we don’t stand up against it.” — Kat Abughazaleh, Democratic congressional candidate
- “No child should be ripped from their home community and hidden in a detention center, especially not a deaf child who is being deprived of the ability to communicate and understand what is happening to them.” — Tony Thurmond, California Superintendent of Public Instruction
These cases highlight the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement practices and the implications for civil liberties in the United States.
