Dodge County sheriff sues Skokie woman after probe says 40‑hour ICE detention was an ‘hoax’
Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt filed a federal lawsuit against Sundas “Sunny” Naqvi of Skokie, Illinois, alleging she fabricated claims of a roughly 40‑hour ICE detention; his office says its probe found no record of her being detained locally.
Key takeaways
- The sheriff’s probe found no record that Sundas “Sunny” Naqvi was booked, detained or released in Dodge County, and investigators say she was never in local custody — Sheriff sues woman who allegedly made up ICE detention.
- Investigators say a timeline based on U.S. Customs and Border Protection records, hotel folios, surveillance video and WhatsApp messages contradict Naqvi’s account.
- The Department of Homeland Security previously described Naqvi’s public claims as false; findings were shared with the FBI and Illinois State Police.
- Social media amplification led to comparisons with the Jussie Smollett hate crime hoax, increasing public scrutiny and debate.
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Timeline and evidence cited by investigators
Sheriff Schmidt’s office published what it calls a verified timeline tied to Naqvi’s travel on March 5 and her activities through March 8. Investigators say multiple sources of data place Naqvi outside Dodge County custody during the period she alleged being held by federal agents.
CBP inspection and release
According to the county timeline, U.S. Customs and Border Protection records show Naqvi entered a secondary inspection at Chicago O’Hare International Airport at about 10:46 a.m. on March 5 and was released around 11:42 a.m. Investigators report no record that she was transferred to federal immigration custody after leaving the airport — Fox News.
Hotel check‑in and charges
Hotel folio records — investigators say — show Naqvi checked into the Hampton Inn & Suites in Rosemont, Illinois, at 1:17 p.m. on March 5, with room charges and transactions logged through March 8. Officials contend those folios place her at the hotel during the period she later alleged she was detained, which they say is inconsistent with a roughly 40‑hour detention — Fox News.
Messaging activity
Investigators cited WhatsApp messages from the relevant period that show Naqvi communicating about food, work and daily activities. They highlighted messages requesting a card for food orders and references to spa services, which the sheriff said are inconsistent with being in local detention. The sheriff also noted there is no spa at Broadview in Chicago, nor a “spa lady” in Dodge County Jail — Fox News.
Lack of booking or custody records
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office says there is no record of booking, detention, release or any coordination with federal or out‑of‑state agencies that would place Naqvi in their custody. Investigators add that phone location data cited in support of Naqvi’s claims do not line up with the hotel timeline, and no video, paperwork or witnesses place her in any Dodge County facility — Fox News.
Public amplification and comparisons to Jussie Smollett
The allegations drew broad attention after public figures and social accounts amplified Naqvi’s story. Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison publicly said Naqvi and others were transported across state lines by immigration agents; the sheriff’s complaint disputes that and alleges Morrison accused the sheriff’s office of a cover‑up, quoting language that officials say harmed the department’s reputation — Fox News.
Conservative-leaning national accounts, including Libs of Chicago on X, likened the episode to the Jussie Smollett hate crime hoax. Those comparisons were repeated as the sheriff released findings that dispute Naqvi’s detention claims — additional context on the Smollett case is available from A&E TV.
Legal action and law enforcement response
Dodge County’s federal lawsuit seeks to address the spread of misinformation and alleged damage to the sheriff’s office and deputies. Sheriff Schmidt said he aimed to present “fact versus fiction” after the allegations gained widespread attention despite what he described as a lack of verified evidence. The probe’s findings were turned over to the FBI and Illinois State Police as part of information sharing — Fox News.
Schmidt told reporters that earlier probes found other unsubstantiated claims by Naqvi, including what he called a false sexual assault report. While local officials noted criminal charges can be difficult to bring in some cases, the federal complaint is an active step to address alleged reputational harm and the role of public statements in spreading misinformation.
What the Department of Homeland Security said
The Department of Homeland Security previously said Naqvi’s public claims about being held by immigration authorities were false. That assessment aligns with the timeline presented by local investigators showing CBP processed and released Naqvi at O’Hare and that she checked into a hotel shortly after leaving the airport — Fox News.
Reporting limits and Naqvi’s response
As of the sheriff’s public announcement and the lawsuit filing, Naqvi had not publicly produced evidence that contradicted the hotel folios, CBP records, WhatsApp messages, or other materials cited by investigators. Media checks show no booking or detention entry for Naqvi in Dodge County custody logs, and there is no public response addressing the specific evidence cited in the complaint — Fox News.
Implications for Redding, California
- Public trust and misinformation: Redding residents rely on law enforcement for accurate information. High‑profile claims later shown false can erode trust; officials should reinforce transparent communication and rapid fact‑checking.
- Local impact on immigrant communities: Allegations about ICE detention resonate beyond Illinois and Wisconsin. Redding leaders must be prepared to respond quickly with verified information to protect vulnerable residents.
- Political consequences: Rapid amplification by public figures can create pressure for county and city leaders in Redding to demand evidence and provide clear timelines when agencies are accused.
- Law enforcement operations and reputation: Sheriff offices that cooperate with federal immigration authorities may face reputational harm from unverified allegations; documentation and communication practices may merit review.
- Practical effects on daily life: Misinformation can lead to increased calls for help from employers, schools and service providers; nonprofits and legal aid groups should be ready with clear, documented guidance.
Sources and further reading
- Fox News: “Sheriff sues woman who allegedly made up ICE detention, ‘enjoyed spa day’ — called a ‘Skokie Jussie Smollett’”
- Wikipedia: Jussie Smollett hate crime hoax
- A&E TV: Jussie Smollett case overview
Reporting by Times Media Service
