Dodge County ICE Hoax Lawsuit: Sheriff Says Sundas “Sunny” Naqvi Fabricated 40‑Hour Detention Claim
Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt has filed a federal lawsuit against Sundas “Sunny” Naqvi, alleging she fabricated a story that she was held by ICE for about 40 hours—claims investigators say records and surveillance contradict.
Key takeaways
- Sheriff’s lawsuit: Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt filed a federal civil complaint saying Naqvi falsely claimed detention by federal immigration authorities for roughly 40 hours, according to reporting by Fox News.
- No booking records: Investigators reviewed agency records and say there is no record of booking, detention, release, or coordination placing Naqvi in Dodge County custody (Fox News).
- Timeline evidence: CBP logs, hotel folios, surveillance video and messaging records place Naqvi at O’Hare and later at a Rosemont hotel during the period she alleged custody (Fox News).
Investigation timeline and evidence
The sheriff’s office says it conducted a weekslong probe after Naqvi’s allegations surfaced on social media and in local reports. Investigators reconstructed a timeline using agency records, hotel folios, surveillance video, phone-location data and messaging logs.
Border inspection logs: According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection entries cited in the complaint, Naqvi entered secondary inspection at O’Hare at 10:46 a.m. on March 5 and was released at roughly 11:42 a.m. Federal officials told investigators she was not detained or transferred after that release (Fox News).
Hotel and messaging records: Hotel folio records place Naqvi at a Hampton Inn & Suites in Rosemont, Illinois, with a check‑in at 1:17 p.m. on March 5 and activity through March 8. Surveillance footage and WhatsApp messages show her communicating about food, work and services during that span—evidence the sheriff’s office says contradicts the claimed detention window (Fox News).
“Now, I don’t know about you, and my staff have never reported one — there is no spa at Broadview in Chicago, Illinois,” Sheriff Schmidt said. “I can also tell you there is no spa lady in our jail here in Dodge County.”
Public amplification and political fallout
The story gained traction when local officials and social accounts amplified Naqvi’s claims. Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison publicly asserted that Naqvi and others were transported by immigration agents and accused the sheriff’s office of a cover-up; the complaint disputes those statements and quotes Morrison directly (Fox News).
On social media some users compared the incident to the high-profile Jussie Smollett case, using it as shorthand for a staged or false claim intended to gain attention (background: Wikipedia; A&E).
Legal action and broader context
The Dodge County complaint is a federal civil lawsuit seeking relief tied to the alleged harm caused by public assertions. The sheriff’s office has provided its investigative files to the FBI and Illinois State Police; officials noted criminal prosecution could be difficult depending on jurisdiction and available evidence (Fox News).
The suit also recounts prior claims involving Naqvi that law enforcement reviewed but did not substantiate, framing the March allegations as part of a pattern the office says necessitated a formal response (Fox News).
Evidence limits and investigative notes
What investigators say they did not find: no booking log, no video or documents placing Naqvi in Dodge County custody, and phone-location data inconsistent with a cross‑state transfer. Investigators described the public timeline of alleged events as “not physically possible” given timestamps from federal and local records cited in the complaint (Fox News).
DHS has publicly described Naqvi’s claims as false. Sheriff Schmidt emphasized the need to present fact versus fiction after the story spread and his staff faced criticism (Fox News).
Jussie Smollett comparison
Media and social posts drew parallels to the Jussie Smollett hate‑crime hoax, in which investigators concluded a reported attack was staged and Smollett was later convicted on felony counts tied to filing a false police report in 2021. The Smollett case has become a cultural reference point for alleged fabricated incidents (Wikipedia; A&E).
Implications for California
Economic impact: False claims about immigration enforcement can ripple into tourism and business partnerships, and may affect recruiting for public-safety jobs.
Political consequences: In California’s charged environment, amplified allegations can become statewide talking points, erode trust in law enforcement, and prompt legal responses from officials who feel mischaracterized.
Social effects & cultural relevance: Exaggerated or false accounts can deepen community divisions and increase fear among immigrant populations. The Smollett comparison underscores tensions between protecting legitimate victims and preventing false claims that undermine credibility.
Practical advice for residents: Expect transparent processes from officials, verify claims with DHS or sheriff’s offices before sharing on social media, and seek official records or statements when possible to avoid amplifying unverified allegations.
Sources and reporting notes
This article draws on the Dodge County sheriff’s complaint and public statements summarized by reporting from Fox News. Background on the Jussie Smollett case referenced Wikipedia and A&E.
Reporting by the Times Media Service in Juneau, Wisconsin, included review of public court filings and statements by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office says it provided its investigative materials to federal and state authorities for further review (Fox News).
