Full Breakdown
Dodge County Sheriff Files Lawsuit Over Alleged ICE Detention Hoax
4/19/2026, 2:02:00 AM
Overview of the Incident
Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt has initiated a federal defamation lawsuit against Sundas "Sunny" Naqvi, a 28-year-old U.S. citizen, and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, following claims made by Naqvi about her alleged detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Naqvi asserted that she was held for 43 hours after being detained at O'Hare International Airport, then transferred to a detention center in Illinois and subsequently to Dodge County Jail in Wisconsin. However, an investigation led by Schmidt has produced evidence contradicting her claims.
Investigative Findings
The investigation revealed that Naqvi entered secondary inspection at O'Hare on March 5, 2025, at 10:46 a.m. and was released just under an hour later. Records indicate she checked into a Hampton Inn & Suites in Rosemont, Illinois, at 1:17 p.m. on the same day, where she remained during the period she claimed to be in custody. Surveillance footage and hotel records confirm her presence at the hotel, with multiple transactions documented from March 5 to March 8, including communications via WhatsApp discussing daily activities and spa services.
Sheriff Schmidt emphasized that there is no evidence supporting Naqvi's claims of being detained, stating, "There is no record of booking, detention or release involving Ms. Naqvi in Dodge County." He also noted that Naqvi was seen at a gas station in Slinger, Wisconsin, on March 7, further undermining her narrative of being in custody.
Legal Actions and Responses
In response to the allegations, Schmidt filed a lawsuit seeking $1 million in damages, asserting that the claims have harmed his reputation and electoral prospects. He criticized Morrison for amplifying Naqvi's claims during a press conference on March 8, where Morrison presented what he described as timestamped proof of Naqvi's detention. Morrison has since declined to comment on the pending litigation.
The lawsuit highlights the serious implications of false claims, which Schmidt argues can misdirect law enforcement resources and damage public trust. He stated, "Allegations of this nature carry significant consequences."
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Schmidt's actions, including Morrison, have suggested that the sheriff's office may be attempting to cover up the incident. Morrison accused Schmidt's office of lying and called for transparency regarding the evidence presented by federal authorities. He described the situation as "terrifying" and has demanded the release of full video evidence from O'Hare.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Schmidt's investigation has produced substantial evidence refuting Naqvi's claims, Morrison's assertions regarding cell phone location data and alleged cover-ups remain unverified. No criminal charges have been filed against Naqvi as of April 2025, and it remains unclear whether federal authorities will pursue any action.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There is no record of booking, detention or release involving Ms. Naqvi in Dodge County,” — Dale Schmidt, Dodge County Sheriff
- “Dodge County is not the place you want to make up a hoax about,” — Dale Schmidt, Dodge County Sheriff
- “Allegations of this nature carry significant consequences,” — Dale Schmidt, Dodge County Sheriff
As the lawsuit progresses, the case continues to draw attention to the complexities surrounding immigration enforcement and the potential ramifications of misinformation.
