Authorities Deny Skokie Woman's Claims of Detention at O'Hare, ICE Facility

DHS, Cook County, and Dodge County Sheriff's Offices refute allegations of 30-hour detainment

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Department of Homeland Security, along with the Cook County and Dodge County sheriff's offices, have denied the claims made by a Skokie woman named Sunny Naqvi that she and five coworkers were detained for nearly two days after arriving at O'Hare airport from a work trip to Turkey. Authorities have provided evidence and statements contradicting Naqvi's account, stating she was at the airport for less than 90 minutes and was not transferred to any ICE or other detention facilities.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and mistrust between immigrant communities and federal authorities, as well as the challenges in verifying claims of mistreatment or unlawful detention. The denials by multiple government agencies raise questions about the accuracy of Naqvi's account and the potential consequences of making unsubstantiated allegations.

The details

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Naqvi arrived at O'Hare at 10:21 a.m. on March 5, 2026 and was referred to secondary inspection. She departed customs within 90 minutes, at 11:42 a.m. The Cook County and Dodge County sheriff's offices also stated they have no records of Naqvi being detained at any of their facilities. Naqvi's employer, the software company SAP, also denied that any of their employees were involved in the alleged incident.

  • Naqvi arrived at O'Hare at 10:21 a.m. on March 5, 2026.
  • Naqvi departed customs at 11:42 a.m. on March 5, 2026.

The players

Sunny Naqvi

A 28-year-old woman from Skokie, Illinois who claimed she and five coworkers were detained for nearly two days after arriving at O'Hare airport from a work trip to Turkey.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that oversees border security and immigration enforcement, and has denied Naqvi's claims.

Cook County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency for Cook County, Illinois, which has stated it has no record of detaining Naqvi.

Dodge County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency for Dodge County, Wisconsin, which has also stated it has no record of detaining Naqvi.

SAP

A German-based software company that employed Naqvi, and has denied that any of their employees were involved in the alleged incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She was on a work trip with five other employees, two were us citizens, and three were green card holders.”

— Kevin Morrison, Cook County Commissioner

“She is here right now, she just doesn't want the spotlight to be put on her.”

— Sarah Afzul, Naqvi's sister

“The passenger's claims are blatantly false.”

— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office is encouraging anyone with evidence related to the alleged incident, including electronic metadata, to provide that information to them. They are also asking Naqvi to contact them regarding the allegation as well as the person who allegedly picked her up in the Juneau area and drove her to a hotel.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in verifying claims of mistreatment or unlawful detention, as well as the need for clear communication and transparency between immigrant communities and government authorities to build trust and address legitimate concerns.