Dodge County sheriff sues after probe finds Sundas Naqvi’s ICE detention claims fabricated
Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt has filed a federal lawsuit after investigators concluded Sundas “Sunny” Naqvi’s claim of a 40‑hour federal immigration detention was fabricated; records reportedly place her at an Illinois hotel during the alleged custody period.
- Federal lawsuit filed: Sheriff Dale Schmidt sued after a weeks‑long probe found no evidence Naqvi was detained in Dodge County or transferred there by federal immigration authorities.
- Documentary evidence cited: Investigators relied on U.S. Customs and Border Protection records, hotel folio, surveillance video and WhatsApp messages placing Naqvi in Rosemont, Illinois. Source: Fox News
- Federal response: The Department of Homeland Security publicly said Naqvi’s claims were false; findings were shared with the FBI and Illinois State Police.
- Political amplification: The complaint names Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison for amplifying allegations the sheriff says are unsupported by the verified timeline.
Investigation and sheriff’s statement
Sheriff Dale Schmidt said his office set out to “separate fact from fiction” after Naqvi’s account spread online and in political circles. Following a weeks‑long review of records and video, the sheriff stated there was “no video, documentation or witness testimony placing Ms. Naqvi in any Dodge County facility” and “no record of booking, detention or release involving Ms. Naqvi in Dodge County.”
Schmidt told reporters the timeline publicized by supporters was “not physically possible” given the evidence his investigators collected. The sheriff’s office framed the federal complaint as a response to reputational harm caused by widely circulated but, officials say, false allegations. Source: Fox News
Verified timeline from federal and private records
Investigators produced a verified timeline using federal, commercial and private records. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Naqvi entered secondary inspection at O’Hare International Airport at approximately 10:46 a.m. on March 5 and was released about an hour later at 11:42 a.m. CBP records reportedly show she was not detained or transferred after leaving the airport. Source: Fox News
Hotel records, surveillance and digital messages
Just over an hour after her release at O’Hare, investigators say Naqvi checked into a Hampton Inn & Suites in Rosemont, Illinois at 1:17 p.m. on March 5 and remained there through the period she later alleged she was in custody. The hotel folio, which investigators cite, shows multiple charges and purchases from March 5–8 placing her at the hotel during the disputed window. Source: Fox News
Investigators also relied on WhatsApp messages from that period indicating Naqvi was actively communicating from the hotel about food, work and daily activities — including a message referencing spa services. Sheriff Schmidt quipped there is “no spa lady in our jail here in Dodge County,” using the exchange to underscore the inconsistency with a custody claim. Hotel surveillance and other physical records, the complaint states, show no transfer or detention by federal officers.
Political amplification and named parties
The story drew national attention as social posts compared the episode to the 2019 Jussie Smollett affair. The X account Libs of Chicago and other users called it a similar staged incident. The complaint specifically names Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison for publicly amplifying Naqvi’s account and alleging she and others were transported across state lines by immigration agents — claims the Dodge County complaint disputes. Source: Fox News
Federal response, prior investigations and legal rationale
The Department of Homeland Security publicly stated Naqvi’s claims were false. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office has shared its findings with the FBI and Illinois State Police and said it will continue cooperative review with state and federal partners. Sheriff Schmidt and investigators also pointed to prior law enforcement inquiries involving Naqvi that produced findings of unsubstantiated claims — including an earlier sexual assault report later determined to be false — which influenced the decision to pursue a civil suit rather than rely solely on criminal charges. Source: Fox News
The federal complaint seeks to address alleged reputational harm and the public consequences of widely circulated allegations that, the sheriff says, lack factual support. The suit challenges statements accusing the sheriff’s office of hiding or covering up transfers that investigators say never occurred.
Implications for Alamogordo, New Mexico
Economic and operational impact: False allegations of federal custody can strain local law enforcement resources when agencies must investigate and respond. Alamogordo officials may face pressure to allocate staff hours to records review, interviews and coordination with federal partners — diverting time from other public safety priorities.
Political consequences: The case underscores risks when elected officials or activists amplify unverified claims. In a politically charged environment, immigration‑related allegations can become rallying points; local leaders may push for clearer communication with federal agencies to confirm or refute custody claims quickly.
Social effects and community trust: False public allegations can erode trust in institutions across the political spectrum. Residents concerned about border security may view the suit as a cautionary example of misinformation, while immigrant‑rights advocates may fear false claims undermine legitimate complaints.
Legal and policy considerations: The episode raises questions about deterring false public allegations without chilling genuine reporting. Some local officials might seek stronger penalties for knowingly spreading demonstrably false claims, while also advocating procedures that ensure credible detainee complaints receive prompt attention.
Investigative status and next steps
The Dodge County investigation remains active. Officials said they will continue to cooperate with federal and state partners, and the sheriff has shared detailed findings with the FBI and Illinois State Police. While pursuing criminal charges may be difficult, the federal lawsuit aims to hold accountable those whose public allegations allegedly caused harm without factual basis.
Reporting note
This article is based on findings and statements released by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and reporting from Fox News. Full reporting and the underlying records cited by the sheriff are being shared with federal and state partners for continued review.
