A Wisconsin sheriff has accused a Skokie woman of fabricating claims that she was detained by federal immigration agents last month, describing the situation as an elaborate hoax. During a news conference on Friday, Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt presented evidence he said disproved Sundas “Sunny” Naqvi’s allegations of being held at both a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility and the Dodge County Jail.

Naqvi, 28, had previously stated that she and five colleagues were detained by ICE agents at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport while returning from an overseas work trip. Supporters, including Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, had publicly condemned the alleged detainment of Naqvi, a U.S. citizen, and shared screenshots purportedly confirming she was held at the ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, as well as in the Wisconsin jail where ICE detainees are sometimes housed.

Sheriff Schmidt, however, challenged these claims by revealing text messages, surveillance videos, and hotel records that indicated Naqvi had traveled from O’Hare to a hotel in Rosemont, Illinois, before arranging transportation to Wisconsin, where she reportedly reunited with family members. According to Schmidt, cellphone location data that suggested she had been inside the jail was likely falsified.

While Schmidt said he is unable to pursue criminal charges against Naqvi under Wisconsin law, he confirmed that the case has been referred to the FBI and Illinois State Police for further investigation. Additionally, Schmidt announced that he has filed a federal defamation lawsuit seeking $1 million against Naqvi and Commissioner Morrison, who was among the political figures who publicly supported her claims.

The controversy has drawn attention due to Naqvi’s prior history of making false reports to law enforcement, according to the sheriff’s office. The case underscores the complexities involved when allegations intersect with immigration enforcement and raises questions about the verification of such claims in politically sensitive contexts. Authorities continue to investigate the matter.