Dodge County Sheriff Sues Over Alleged False Detention Claims

Sheriff Dale Schmidt files $1 million defamation lawsuit against Illinois resident and Cook County Commissioner

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a stark, black background, creating a gritty, investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh, direct lighting.A law enforcement lawsuit over disputed detention claims exposes the high stakes of making unsubstantiated allegations.Skokie Today

Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt has filed a $1 million federal civil lawsuit against an Illinois woman, Sundas 'Sunny' Naqvi, and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison over claims that Naqvi was detained at O'Hare Airport, transported to an ICE facility, and then to the Dodge County Jail, which Schmidt says are false allegations not supported by evidence.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights the potential consequences of making unsubstantiated claims against law enforcement, and the steps officials may take to protect the integrity of their departments when faced with what they believe are false allegations.

The details

According to Schmidt, Naqvi claimed she was detained at O'Hare, transported to an ICE facility, and then to the Dodge County Jail, where she was allegedly held and later released. However, Schmidt disputes these claims, stating there is no record of Naqvi being booked or detained in Dodge County, and no evidence of any transfer requests to federal or out-of-state agencies. Schmidt presented a timeline of Naqvi's activity on March 5 that aligned with Department of Homeland Security records showing she entered secondary inspection at O'Hare at 10:46 a.m. and was released at 11:42 a.m. the same day.

  • On March 5, 2026, Naqvi entered secondary inspection at O'Hare Airport at approximately 10:46 a.m. and was released at approximately 11:42 a.m.
  • On March 7, 2026, Naqvi traveled to Wisconsin, accompanied by a man who later told Schmidt he drove Naqvi to a Holiday Inn in Beaver Dam and spent $25,000 on her

The players

Dale Schmidt

The Dodge County Sheriff who filed the $1 million defamation lawsuit against Naqvi and Morrison.

Sundas 'Sunny' Naqvi

A 28-year-old Illinois resident who made claims about being detained at O'Hare Airport, transported to an ICE facility, and then to the Dodge County Jail, which Schmidt says are false.

Kevin Morrison

The Cook County Commissioner who organized a protest in response to Naqvi's claims, and is also named in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“These allegations are serious, but they are not supported by evidence. We have reviewed the records, we have established the timeline, and the facts are clear—this did not happen. Our responsibility is to ensure the public has accurate information and confidence in the integrity of law enforcement.”

— Dale Schmidt, Dodge County Sheriff

“It is my understanding that a lawsuit has been filed. I have not seen it. And if a suit has in fact been filed, I cannot comment on pending litigation.”

— Kevin Morrison, Cook County Commissioner

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential consequences of making unsubstantiated claims against law enforcement, and the steps officials may take to protect the integrity of their departments when faced with what they believe are false allegations.