Feds Dispute Skokie Woman's Claim of 30-Hour ICE Detention

Department of Homeland Security says surveillance footage shows woman was in custody for less than 2 hours

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:51am

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is disputing the story of Sundas 'Sunny' Naqvi, a U.S. citizen from Skokie, Illinois, who claimed she and her colleagues were detained for more than 30 hours by immigration authorities at O'Hare International Airport. DHS says surveillance footage clearly shows Naqvi entering secondary inspection at 10:46 a.m. and leaving at 11:42 a.m. the same day, contradicting her claims of a prolonged detention.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between immigration authorities and civil liberties groups over the treatment of U.S. citizens and legal residents at border crossings. It also raises questions about the accuracy of detainee accounts and the transparency of DHS operations.

The details

According to DHS, Naqvi entered the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) area at O'Hare at 10:21 a.m. and was then directed to secondary inspection, where she remained for just under an hour before being released back to the public area. The agency says surveillance footage clearly contradicts Naqvi's claims that she was held for over 30 hours.

  • Naqvi entered the CBP area at O'Hare at 10:21 a.m. on March 11, 2026.
  • Naqvi entered secondary inspection at 10:46 a.m. on March 11, 2026.
  • Naqvi left secondary inspection and returned to the public area at 11:42 a.m. on March 11, 2026.

The players

Sundas 'Sunny' Naqvi

A U.S. citizen from Skokie, Illinois who claimed she was detained by immigration authorities for over 30 hours at O'Hare International Airport.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The U.S. federal agency responsible for border security and immigration enforcement, which is disputing Naqvi's account of her detention.

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What they’re saying

“As we said Sunny Naqvi entered the CBP area at 10:21 am. Surveillance footage from O'Hare CLEARLY shows her entering secondary inspection at 10:46 a.m., and leaving secondary to the public area at 11:42 a.m. Her claims of spending 43 hours in DHS custody…”

— Homeland Security (Twitter)

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration authorities and civil liberties groups over the treatment of U.S. citizens at border crossings, and the need for greater transparency and accountability around DHS detention practices.