Skokie Woman Detained at O'Hare, Officials Demand Answers

Sundas 'Sunny' Naqvi, a U.S. citizen, was held for 30 hours along with colleagues before release, raising concerns about border search authority and discrimination.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A Skokie, Illinois woman named Sundas 'Sunny' Naqvi, a U.S. citizen, was detained at O'Hare International Airport upon returning from a business trip to Turkey. Naqvi, along with five colleagues - two other U.S. citizens and three green card holders - were held for approximately 30 hours before being released. The incident has raised serious questions about the scope of border search authority and the rights of legal residents.

Why it matters

This incident isn't isolated, as there have been similar detentions at O'Hare, highlighting a growing concern among civil rights advocates. The fact that U.S. citizens are being subjected to prolonged questioning and detention without clear justification raises fundamental questions about due process and the potential for discriminatory practices, especially since all six individuals detained were of Pakistani descent.

The details

The group, all employees of the German software giant SAP SE, had been traveling for work. Upon arrival at O'Hare on Thursday, they were detained by Customs and Border Protection agents and then transported to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Broadview, Illinois, and later to a detention facility in Dodge County, Wisconsin. Naqvi was told there was 'curious travel history,' but no specific cause for the lengthy detention was provided.

  • The group was detained at O'Hare International Airport on Thursday.
  • They were held for approximately 30 hours before being released.

The players

Sundas 'Sunny' Naqvi

A U.S. citizen from Skokie, Illinois who was detained at O'Hare International Airport upon returning from a business trip to Turkey.

Kevin Morrison

A Cook County Commissioner and family friend of Naqvi, who described the situation as alarming.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The federal agency responsible for conducting searches and detentions at the border, which has broad but not unlimited authority.

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the United States, which was involved in detaining the individuals.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Naqvi's attorney and elected officials are considering legal action, and the family has reported that Naqvi did not receive her passport back upon release. Advocates are demanding a clear explanation for the detentions and assurances that similar incidents won't occur in the future.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns about the scope of border search authority and the potential for discriminatory practices, as U.S. citizens are being subjected to prolonged questioning and detention without clear justification. It raises fundamental questions about due process and the rights of legal residents.