Dodge County Sheriff Sues Woman Over Alleged False Detention Claims

Authorities say Sundas Naqvi fabricated story of being held by ICE and transported to Wisconsin

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:25am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, investigative mood without words.A harsh, close-up investigation of the alleged false claims that have sparked a legal battle between a Chicago-area woman and Wisconsin law enforcement.Rosemont Today

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin has filed a lawsuit against a Chicago-area woman, Sundas 'Sunny' Naqvi, accusing her of defamation for allegedly fabricating claims that she was detained for two days by immigration authorities and transported to a facility in Dodge County. Sheriff Dale Schmidt says Naqvi was never in custody and was actually staying at a hotel near O'Hare Airport during the time she claimed to be detained.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the spread of misinformation and false claims, especially those that could undermine public trust in law enforcement and government agencies. The sheriff's office is seeking legal recourse to counter what they describe as a 'hoax' orchestrated by Naqvi.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Naqvi claimed last month that she was detained for 30 hours by Customs and Border Protection at O'Hare Airport, then sent to an ICE detention facility in Broadview, Illinois, and later transported to a facility in Dodge County, Wisconsin. However, the sheriff's office says Naqvi was never in their custody and was actually staying at a hotel near the airport during the alleged events. The lawsuit also alleges that Naqvi has a history of making false claims to law enforcement, including a 2019 case in which she pleaded guilty to filing a false police report.

  • Naqvi was allegedly detained by Customs and Border Protection at O'Hare Airport in March 2023.
  • Naqvi claimed she was then sent to an ICE detention facility in Broadview, Illinois, and later transported to a facility in Dodge County, Wisconsin.
  • Naqvi was allegedly released from the Dodge County facility on March 7, 2023.

The players

Sundas 'Sunny' Naqvi

A 28-year-old Chicago-area woman who is accused of fabricating claims that she was detained for two days by immigration authorities and transported to a facility in Dodge County, Wisconsin.

Sheriff Dale Schmidt

The Dodge County Sheriff who has filed a lawsuit against Naqvi, accusing her of defamation for her alleged false claims.

Kevin Morisson

A Cook County Commissioner who held a press conference on behalf of Naqvi last month, supporting her claims.

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What they’re saying

“Sundas Naqvi was never detained by ICE, was not transferred to the Broadview detention facility, nor transported across state lines to Dodge County by law enforcement. She was never in the custody of the Dodge County Sheriff's Office.”

— Sheriff Dale Schmidt, Dodge County Sheriff

“Allegations of an illegal detention of a US citizen, allegations of a government cover up by federal authorities and the Dodge County Sheriff's Office, coordinated messaging designed to generate outrage and media attention. Misuse of the system will not go unanswered. This is Dodge County, Wisconsin, not Cook County, and we will hold them accountable.”

— Sheriff Dale Schmidt, Dodge County Sheriff

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit against Sundas Naqvi and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morisson to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious consequences that can arise from spreading misinformation and making false claims, especially those that could undermine public trust in law enforcement and government agencies. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of verifying facts before making accusations.