A Wisconsin sheriff has filed a $1 million defamation lawsuit after an Illinois woman’s claim that she was detained by federal immigration authorities for nearly two days was contradicted by surveillance footage, official records, and hotel receipts, as reported by The New York Post.

Sundas “Sunny” Naqvi, 28, drew national attention after alleging she had been unlawfully detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for approximately 43 hours following her return from a work trip to Turkey.

Naqvi claimed she landed at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on the morning of March 5 and was held for nearly 30 hours before being transferred to an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, and later to Dodge County Jail in Wisconsin.

Her claims were supported publicly by Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, who described Naqvi as his “best friend’s sister.”

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Morrison shared screenshots on Facebook that he said showed her location at the Juneau, Wisconsin, jail and spoke at a March 8 press conference alongside Naqvi’s sister.

“This is a 28-year-old girl just left on the street by ICE in another state, without her property,” Morrison said, adding that Naqvi was released early March 7 and traveled several miles before reuniting with family.

Federal officials disputed the account. The Department of Homeland Security stated that Naqvi was processed and released within a short time after arrival.

“Ms. Naqvi departed CBP within 90 minutes of her arrival to the United States…[she] was not taken into custody or transferred to ICE for detention,” DHS said in a March 10 statement on X.

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The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office also said it had no record of Naqvi being held at its facility.

Despite those statements, Morrison continued to defend Naqvi’s account, accusing officials of “lying” and “trying to create a cover-up,” according to WISN 12 News.

On Friday, Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Naqvi, Morrison, and additional unnamed defendants.

The suit alleges reputational harm tied to the public claims and seeks damages of at least $1 million per defendant.

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During a press conference announcing the lawsuit, Schmidt outlined what he described as evidence contradicting Naqvi’s account.

According to the sheriff, records show Naqvi checked into the Hampton Inn and Suites in Rosemont, Illinois, at 1:17 p.m. on March 5 and remained there during the period she claimed to be in custody.

“She checked into the Hampton Inn and Suites in Rosemont, Ill., for the entire duration of this alleged event,” Schmidt said, presenting a hotel folio and text message records.

Authorities also cited messages sent by Naqvi during that time. “May I use ur card to order some food” and “going to check out the gym in like 5,” read texts attributed to Naqvi.

Another message stated, “May i use your card to pay my spa lady?”

Investigators said a witness reported driving Naqvi to a nearby gas station early on March 7.

Surveillance footage from that outing allegedly shows her wearing the same clothing later seen in a photo posted online following her claimed release.

Hotel records indicate Naqvi checked out on March 8.

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Officials said criminal charges were not filed in Wisconsin but described the lawsuit as a means of pursuing accountability.

Schmidt is also seeking a jury trial as part of the case, citing potential reputational harm as he prepares for a 2026 re-election campaign.

Schmidt’s attorney, Sam Hall, said the lawsuit focuses on the public impact of the claims.

“This lawsuit was filed because a completely fabricated story was pushed into the national spotlight by Naqvi and Cook County Commissioner Morrison,” Hall said.

“Unfortunately, their claims were treated as fact without the most basic verification.”

“Sheriff Schmidt is standing up to demand accountability against those who perpetuate lies and fake news,” Hall added.

 

Naqvi could not be reached for comment, and Morrison did not respond to inquiries. It was not immediately clear whether either has retained legal counsel.

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