Wisconsin Sheriff Sues Woman and Politician Over Alleged Fake ICE Detention

Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt seeks $1 million in damages for what he calls an "outlandish" lie about being illegally detained.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a hotel room key card against a pitch-black background, the harsh flash lighting creating a stark, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the investigative nature of this case.A hotel key card provides critical evidence that a woman's claims of illegal ICE detention were false.Chicago Today

A Wisconsin sheriff has filed a civil lawsuit against a woman and a local politician, seeking $1 million in damages over what he calls an "outlandish" story about the woman being illegally detained in his jail. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt says the woman, Sundas "Sunny" Naqvi, lied about being held by federal authorities for nearly two days, when in fact she was staying at a hotel and making transactions during the time she claimed to be in custody.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing issue of false claims against law enforcement and the challenges sheriffs face in maintaining public trust and accountability. The lawsuit also raises questions about the role of local politicians in amplifying unsubstantiated narratives for political gain.

The details

According to the Dodge County Sheriff's Office, Naqvi claimed she was moved across state lines to the Dodge County jail, but federal authorities say she was briefly pulled aside at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport for less than 90 minutes before being released. The sheriff's office says records and surveillance video show Naqvi checking into a Hampton Inn during the time she claimed to have been in custody, and making multiple transactions at the hotel.

  • On April 17, 2026, Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt announced the civil lawsuit against Sundas "Sunny" Naqvi and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison.
  • Naqvi allegedly claimed she was illegally detained in the Dodge County jail for nearly two days.

The players

Dale Schmidt

The Dodge County Sheriff who is suing Sundas "Sunny" Naqvi and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison for $1 million in damages over what he calls an "outlandish" lie about being illegally detained in his jail.

Sundas "Sunny" Naqvi

A woman who allegedly lied about being illegally detained in the Dodge County jail for nearly two days, when in fact she was staying at a hotel and making transactions during that time.

Kevin Morrison

A Cook County Commissioner who the sheriff says held a press conference regarding the alleged incident and is being sued for being "complicit" in the alleged lie.

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What they’re saying

“When I find evidence to prove that you are telling a lie about my agency, especially when you're calling my correctional officers liars, you better believe it: I'm going to come back after you.”

— Dale Schmidt, Dodge County Sheriff

“She was out getting spa treatments. She was getting DoorDash. She was doing everything but being in custody of DHS or the Dodge County Sheriff's Office.”

— Dale Schmidt, Dodge County Sheriff

“Could you imagine having an organization that does things the right way and having somebody come in and just lie through her teeth about being in your facility? My only recourse is to ensure some kind of accountability through a civil lawsuit.”

— Dale Schmidt, Dodge County Sheriff

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing issue of false claims against law enforcement and the challenges sheriffs face in maintaining public trust and accountability. It also raises questions about the role of local politicians in amplifying unsubstantiated narratives for potential political gain.