Wisconsin Sheriff Sues Illinois Woman Over Disputed Immigration Detention Claims

Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt alleges Sundas 'Sunny' Naqvi's story was a hoax that damaged his agency's reputation.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:43am

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An extreme close-up of a security camera lens reflecting a harsh, direct flash of light, conceptually representing the investigative nature of a defamation lawsuit against disputed allegations.A sheriff's lawsuit over disputed immigration detention claims exposes the challenges of protecting law enforcement reputations in the digital age.Rosemont Today

A Wisconsin sheriff is suing an Illinois woman for $1 million, accusing her of defamation over claims that she was detained by federal immigration officials in the Dodge County Jail. Sundas 'Sunny' Naqvi drew national attention last month with her story, but the U.S. Department of Homeland Security later disputed her account. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt has now filed a lawsuit against Naqvi and a local official who supported her, saying surveillance footage and other evidence proves her claims were false.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential consequences for individuals who make unsubstantiated claims against law enforcement, especially those that receive widespread media attention. The sheriff's lawsuit underscores the challenges public officials face in protecting their agencies' reputations when faced with disputed allegations.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Naqvi claimed she and five others were detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at O'Hare International Airport on March 5 after returning from a work trip in Turkey. Naqvi said they were then moved to an ICE facility in Broadview and transferred to the Dodge County Jail. However, the Department of Homeland Security released surveillance footage that it said showed Naqvi was able to leave O'Hare about 90 minutes after landing. The sheriff's lawsuit includes additional evidence, such as a hotel guest folio and surveillance video, that he says refutes Naqvi's claims.

  • On March 5, Naqvi and others allegedly detained at O'Hare Airport.
  • On March 7, Naqvi was allegedly driven to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, and back to the Chicago area by an ex-boyfriend.

The players

Sundas 'Sunny' Naqvi

A 28-year-old Illinois woman who made claims about being detained by federal immigration officials in the Dodge County Jail, which the sheriff alleges were false.

Dale Schmidt

The Dodge County Sheriff who is suing Naqvi and a local official for $1 million, alleging defamation over Naqvi's disputed detention claims.

Kevin Morrison

A Cook County Commissioner and family friend of Naqvi who supported her claims and is named in the sheriff's lawsuit.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that released surveillance footage it said contradicted Naqvi's account of being detained at O'Hare Airport.

Julius Kim

An attorney in southeastern Wisconsin who commented on the rarity of a county sheriff filing a defamation lawsuit against an individual.

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What they’re saying

“They have not been supported by any – any – verified evidence at all.”

— Dale Schmidt, Dodge County Sheriff

“At no point was Sundas Naqvi in the custody of the Dodge County Sheriff's office.”

— Dale Schmidt, Dodge County Sheriff

“I think it's very, very rare. In fact, this is the first time I've heard of a county sheriff in their individual capacity file a defamation suit against claims that were made against them.”

— Julius Kim, Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed against Naqvi and the other defendants.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges public officials face in protecting their agencies' reputations when faced with disputed allegations, and the potential consequences for individuals who make unsubstantiated claims that receive widespread attention.