Full Breakdown
Dodge County Sheriff Files Defamation Lawsuit Over Alleged ICE Detention Hoax
4/16/2026, 7:46:59 AM
Allegations and Legal Action
Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt has initiated a federal defamation lawsuit against Sundas "Sunny" Naqvi, a 28-year-old U.S. citizen from Skokie, Illinois, who claimed she was unlawfully detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for nearly 43 hours. Naqvi alleged that after returning from a work trip to Turkey on March 5, 2026, she was detained at O'Hare International Airport, transferred to the Broadview Detention Facility in Illinois, and subsequently held at the Dodge County Jail in Wisconsin. Sheriff Schmidt's lawsuit, filed in response to these claims, seeks $1 million in damages, asserting that Naqvi's allegations are fabricated and have caused reputational harm to his office.
Investigation Findings
Following Naqvi's claims, Sheriff Schmidt conducted a thorough investigation, which included reviewing hotel records, surveillance footage, and text messages. The findings indicated that Naqvi was briefly detained by Customs and Border Protection at O'Hare but was released within approximately 90 minutes. Records show she checked into a Hampton Inn & Suites in Rosemont, Illinois, shortly after her release and remained there during the time she claimed to be in custody. Surveillance footage and witness statements corroborated her presence at the hotel, contradicting her allegations of detention.
Schmidt noted that Naqvi's communications during this period included requests for spa services and food deliveries, further undermining her claims of being in custody. He emphasized that there was no evidence of her being booked or detained at the Dodge County Jail, stating, "These allegations are serious, but they are not supported by evidence."
Official Statements and Responses
In a press conference, Sheriff Schmidt expressed his frustration over the spread of unverified information, stating, "Dodge County is not the place you want to make up a hoax about." He criticized Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, who publicly supported Naqvi's claims, for allegedly amplifying false narratives and accused him of attempting to create a cover-up. Morrison has not commented on the lawsuit but previously claimed that officials were lying about Naqvi's detention.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the sheriff's office have pointed to the broader context of immigration enforcement and public outrage over the Trump administration's policies. Naqvi's supporters argue that her claims reflect legitimate fears about unlawful detentions and the treatment of immigrants. However, Schmidt maintains that the evidence disproves Naqvi's allegations and that the lawsuit is about accountability for the damage caused by false claims.
What's Next
The lawsuit is currently progressing through the federal court system, with a judge recently granting Sheriff Schmidt expedited access to Naqvi's cellphone records to gather further evidence. The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the potential consequences of false allegations against law enforcement officials.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Dodge County is not the place you want to make up a hoax about,” — Sheriff Dale Schmidt
- “These allegations are serious, but they are not supported by evidence,” — Sheriff Dale Schmidt
- “I take it personally when my staff are called liars.” — Sheriff Dale Schmidt
This case continues to unfold as both sides prepare for further legal proceedings.
