Listen to the article
A Wisconsin sheriff has filed a lawsuit against a woman he claims fabricated a story about being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), calling it a hoax comparable to the Jussie Smollett case that drew national attention in 2019.
Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt announced legal action following a thorough investigation into allegations made by Sundas “Sunny” Naqvi, a U.S. citizen from Skokie, Illinois. Naqvi had publicly claimed she was detained by federal authorities for approximately 40 hours, including time allegedly spent at the Dodge County Jail in Wisconsin.
The allegations, which surfaced last month, quickly gained traction on social media. Naqvi’s account stated she was initially detained at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, transferred to an Illinois detention center, and later transported across state lines to Wisconsin before being released without documentation.
“There is no record of booking, detention or release involving Ms. Naqvi in Dodge County,” the sheriff’s office stated. “There was no coordination with federal or out-of-state agencies, and she was never in local custody.”
Schmidt’s investigation assembled what he describes as a comprehensive timeline that directly contradicts Naqvi’s claims. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection records, Naqvi was briefly in secondary inspection at O’Hare around 10:46 a.m. on March 5 but was released approximately an hour later at 11:42 a.m. Federal authorities confirmed she was not detained or transferred after leaving the airport.
Records show Naqvi checked into a Hampton Inn & Suites in Rosemont, Illinois, at 1:17 p.m. that same day – during the period she later claimed to be in custody. Hotel documentation revealed multiple charges and transactions from March 5 through March 8, including room charges and purchases.
The investigation also uncovered WhatsApp messages from the timeframe in question showing Naqvi actively communicating from the hotel, discussing food, work, and daily activities. In one message, she even requested to use a card to order food.
“Now, I don’t know about you, and my staff have never reported one — there is no spa at Broadview in Chicago, Illinois,” Schmidt said, referencing messages where Naqvi allegedly discussed spa services. “I can also tell you there is no spa lady in our jail here in Dodge County.”
Authorities determined that Naqvi did eventually travel to Wisconsin on March 7, but voluntarily and not in law enforcement custody. Surveillance video, license plate reader data, and witness statements confirm she traveled from Illinois to Wisconsin with another individual. Additional surveillance footage shows her at a gas station in Slinger, Wisconsin, around 5:46 a.m. that day – a time that conflicts with her claim of having just been released from the Dodge County Jail, which is approximately 37 minutes away by car.
The Department of Homeland Security has previously stated that Naqvi’s claims were “false.”
The lawsuit also names Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, who publicly amplified Naqvi’s claims. According to the complaint, Morrison alleged that Naqvi and five other individuals were transported across state lines by immigration agents – assertions Schmidt vehemently disputes. The suit further alleges Morrison accused the sheriff’s office of a “cover-up” and claimed officials “have been lying from the very start of this.” When contacted by media, Morrison stated he cannot comment on pending litigation.
Schmidt expressed frustration over how quickly the unverified claims spread, leading to backlash against his office and staff. “I take it personally when my staff are called liars,” Schmidt said during a press conference. “These men and women do the job the right way every day, and those accusations are simply not supported by facts.”
The sheriff’s office noted that Naqvi had been involved in prior law enforcement investigations that resulted in findings of unsubstantiated claims, including a previous case in which a reported sexual assault was later determined to be false.
While officials acknowledged that criminal charges may be difficult to pursue in the current case, Schmidt said he has filed a lawsuit in federal court in response to the allegations and their impact on his department.
The case has drawn comparisons to actor Jussie Smollett’s 2019 conviction for staging a fake hate crime in Chicago. Several social media accounts explicitly made the connection, with one writing that “Skokie has themselves their very own Jussie Smollett.”
Schmidt warned that false claims of this nature carry serious consequences, including misdirecting law enforcement resources, damaging reputations, and eroding public trust. Authorities have shared their findings with federal and state partners, including the FBI and Illinois State Police, for further review as the investigation remains active.
Attempts to reach Naqvi for comment were unsuccessful, and it remains unclear if she has legal representation.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
14 Comments
Sounds like a complex legal situation. While it’s important to address false claims, we should also be mindful of potential vulnerabilities in the system that may lead to such allegations in the first place.
Good point. Striking the right balance between addressing misinformation and understanding underlying systemic issues is crucial.
This case highlights the need for rigorous fact-checking, especially around sensitive topics. Transparency and due process will be key in determining the truth and upholding justice.
This case highlights the challenges in balancing the need to address false claims while still respecting due process and the rights of all involved. A measured, evidence-based approach will be important.
Exactly. Maintaining impartiality and following proper procedures will be key to resolving this matter fairly.
Troubling if the allegations prove unfounded. False claims can undermine real efforts to address immigration and detention issues. Thorough investigation will be important to uncover the facts.
Agreed. Both sides deserve a fair hearing, and the truth should guide any actions taken.
Allegations of mistreatment should always be taken seriously, but false claims can undermine legitimate concerns. Thorough, transparent investigation is needed to determine the facts and ensure justice is served.
If the allegations are indeed false, it’s concerning and could damage public trust. However, jumping to conclusions before all the facts are known would also be unwise. Impartial investigation seems the best way forward.
Well said. Maintaining objectivity and due process is crucial, regardless of the ultimate findings.
Fabricating stories about detention and mistreatment is deeply concerning, as it can undermine real efforts to address systemic issues. However, the facts must be carefully examined before drawing conclusions.
Interesting case. If the allegations are indeed fabricated, that’s very concerning and undermines trust in legitimate claims of mistreatment. Thorough investigation seems warranted to uncover the facts.
I agree, falsifying stories like this only serves to delegitimize real issues. Hopefully the truth comes to light through the legal process.
This is a complex and sensitive case. While fabricated stories are concerning, it’s also important to understand the broader context and ensure proper procedures are followed. Careful examination of the evidence is warranted.