The Dodge County sheriff has filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Sundas “Sunny” Naqvi and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison over false claims related to Naqvi’s alleged detention at O’Hare International Airport. The lawsuit follows a series of investigations that have undermined Naqvi’s account, as well as scrutiny of her past legal issues and personal conduct.
Naqvi had claimed she was detained by immigration authorities upon arrival in Chicago, a story that gained media attention and political support. However, evidence released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security showed images of Naqvi leaving a secure area at O’Hare just one hour after being flagged for screening, contradicting her version of events. The Cook County sheriff’s office also reported no record of Naqvi being found during a search of the Broadview detention facility. Additionally, a multinational software company Naqvi claimed to have worked for confirmed she was never employed there and that no employees had been detained at the airport.
Sheriff Mike Schmidt expressed frustration over Naqvi’s allegations, suggesting various motives behind her claims, including a possible intention to criticize President Trump or immigration enforcement agencies, or a personal inclination toward fabricating such stories. Schmidt asserted that Naqvi had manipulated others to support her lifestyle, citing a man who financed a trip to Turkey and gave her approximately $25,000 in a month under the belief of a future relationship. This individual reportedly began cooperating with authorities after media scrutiny.
Naqvi’s legal history includes multiple charges related to false reporting. Court records reveal past convictions for filing false police reports, including a case where she was sentenced to probation for allegedly fabricating a sexual assault claim in Skokie. Investigations found that her accuser had been misled through a dating app, and the accused ex-boyfriend was cleared of wrongdoing. Other charges in Champaign County against Naqvi include intimidation, aggravated unlawful restraint, and falsifying police reports, though she was not convicted in these cases.
Financial records obtained show that Naqvi has faced eviction proceedings and considerable unpaid debt, including over $43,000 in rent and more than $15,000 in credit card dues. These details add complexity to the public narrative surrounding her claims and actions.
Morrison declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing ongoing litigation. Naqvi did not respond to requests for comment. The sheriff’s defamation suit reflects a broader effort to hold individuals accountable for what authorities characterize as deliberate falsehoods that undermine public trust in law enforcement and immigration processes.