Full Breakdown
Dodge County Sheriff Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Sundas Naqvi Over Alleged ICE Detention Hoax
4/14/2026, 1:09:24 AM
Allegations of Fabrication
Sundas "Sunny" Naqvi, a 28-year-old woman from Skokie, Illinois, has come under scrutiny after claiming she was unlawfully detained by U.S. immigration officials upon her return from Turkey on March 5, 2026. Naqvi alleged that she and five others were held for approximately 30 hours at O'Hare International Airport by Customs and Border Protection, subsequently transferred to an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, and then to the Dodge County Jail in Wisconsin. This narrative garnered significant media attention and public outrage, particularly given Naqvi's status as a U.S. citizen.
However, Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt has filed a defamation lawsuit against Naqvi and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, who supported her claims. The sheriff asserts that Naqvi's story is fabricated, presenting evidence including surveillance footage, hotel records, and text messages that he claims prove she was never in custody.
Evidence Presented by Sheriff Schmidt
Sheriff Schmidt contends that Naqvi checked into the Hampton Inn & Suites in Rosemont, Illinois, shortly after her arrival at O'Hare and remained there throughout the period she claimed to be detained. He provided hotel receipts and surveillance videos showing Naqvi at a gas station in Wisconsin during the time she alleged she was in custody. The sheriff stated, “At no point was Sundas Naqvi in the custody of the Dodge County Sheriff's Office,” and emphasized that there are no records of her being booked or detained.
Additionally, Schmidt accused Naqvi of manipulating her phone's location data to support her claims. He alleged that she convinced an ex-boyfriend to assist in fabricating her story, resulting in him spending over $25,000 to support her narrative.
Official Statements & Responses
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has also disputed Naqvi's claims, releasing surveillance footage that shows her entering and leaving O'Hare within 90 minutes. The footage contradicts her assertion of being detained for an extended period. Sheriff Schmidt expressed his frustration, stating, “I will not stand by while false narratives are used to portray law enforcement as something it is not.”
Morrison, who has publicly supported Naqvi, claimed that the allegations of a cover-up by law enforcement were intended to generate outrage. He has not commented on the pending litigation, citing the lawsuit's status.
Criticism & Opposition
Naqvi's credibility has been questioned due to her past legal issues, including a guilty plea for filing a false police report in 2019. Critics argue that her history raises concerns about the validity of her current claims. Naqvi's sister, Sarah Afzal, defended her, asserting that Naqvi had documentation to support her claims, although no evidence has been presented to substantiate this.
What's Next
The lawsuit seeks $1 million in damages from both Naqvi and Morrison. The case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing false claims that can undermine public trust. The judge will determine whether the lawsuit will proceed, as the sheriff aims to restore his agency's reputation amidst the controversy.
