Allegations of Fabricated ICE Detention Lead to Lawsuit

A lawsuit is emerging in Wisconsin, centered on claims made by Sundas “Sonny” Naqvi about a fabricated ICE detention. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt stated that Naqvi’s assertions of being held unlawfully for 40 hours contradict evidence from hotel records, surveillance footage, and text messages.

The controversy began when Naqvi, a U.S. citizen from Skokie, Illinois, alleged that she was detained at O’Hare International Airport and later transported to a facility in Illinois, before ultimately ending up in Wisconsin. The claims came to public attention last month and quickly drew comparisons to the Jussie Smollett case, where the actor falsely reported a hate crime.

Schmidt’s announcement of the lawsuit followed an investigative report into Naqvi’s claims, which suggested that there was no basis or supporting documentation for her allegations. “We found no evidence of any booking, detention, or release for Ms. Naqvi,” Schmidt confirmed, asserting that she was never in local custody or coordinated with federal authorities.

The lawsuit includes statements from Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, who perpetuated the claims, alleging that Naqvi was transported unlawfully by immigration officials. Schmidt challenged these assertions, expressing frustration over accusations from certain political figures that his office was covering up the situation.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, Naqvi was released from secondary inspection shortly after arriving at O’Hare on March 5. After her release, records indicate she checked into a hotel in Rosemont, Illinois, where she stayed during the time she later claimed to have been in custody.

Surveillance footage from the hotel, along with WhatsApp messages showing her communicating about daily activities, contradicted her assertions. Schmidt emphasized that there were no indications she was detained, pointing to a specific instance when Naqvi was seen at a gas station in Slinger, Wisconsin, at a time she claimed to be in custody.

Throughout his comments, Schmidt noted the serious implications of such fabrications, including wasting law enforcement resources and damaging public trust. He communicated his disappointment regarding the impact of these unverified claims on his office, stating, “My staff are called liars, and these allegations are simply unsupported by the facts.”

While pursuing criminal charges could be challenging, Schmidt has opted for a civil lawsuit in federal court as a direct result of Naqvi’s claims. “False claims like this have significant consequences,” he cautioned, indicating that ongoing investigations involve federal and state partners, including the FBI.

Naqvi’s current status remains unclear, and attempts to reach her for comment have been unsuccessful. It appears she may not have legal representation at this time.