Did Sunny Naqvi fake ICE detention? Sheriff files $1M suit against Pakistani-American woman, says ex-boyfriend joined 'false' 43-hour custody narrative

Pakistani-American woman Sunny Naqvi has been thrust into a legal storm after a sheriff filed a $1 million lawsuit accusing her of inventing claims that she was held in immigration custody for 43 hours.

What began as a viral account of alleged unlawful detention has now taken a sharp turn, with officials pushing back strongly and branding the claims a "completely fabricated story."

The 28-year-old U.S. citizen, originally from Evanston and raised in the Chicago suburbs, had been part of a group planning an international work trip. The group reportedly included three American citizens and three green card holders.

Family members said the travellers initially aimed to visit India but were unable to proceed beyond Turkey, forcing them to return to the United States.

Upon arrival at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Naqvi was reportedly selected for additional screening, with her attorney later citing a "curious travel history" as the reason.

Following her return, Naqvi's family alleged that she was held by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials for nearly two days.

According to their account, she remained at the airport for roughly 30 hours before being moved to a facility in Broadview, Illinois, and then to Dodge County, Wisconsin.

Concerns escalated when her phone location reportedly went offline during the ordeal. "The cops were lying to our faces," said Sarah Afzal, Naqvi's sister. "We were asking them, 'Hey, her location is here. We were in contact with her,' and they kept being like, 'I don't know what to tell you.'"

"They asked for Sunny's phone number so they can search the facility for her phone. About 10 minutes later, the phone was opened, text messages were read and the phone was turned off, and we lost her location," said Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison.

"It was just really scary to me, and I think it's really scary to know that this can happen to someone born here," Afzal said. "This whole morning was about just kind of getting it together. She doesn't want this to be about her. This is about everyone that is illegally detained."

Federal authorities have denied the allegations, offering a completely different version of events. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated that Naqvi was not detained but instead underwent standard secondary inspection procedures. Officials said she was allowed to leave within approximately 90 minutes.

"Ms Naqvi departed CBP within 90 minutes of her arrival to the United States, [she] was not taken into custody or transferred to ICE for detention," DHS wrote in an X (formerly Twitter) post.

"Here are the receipts: As we said Sunny Naqvi entered the CBP area at 10:21 am. Surveillance footage from O'Hare clearly shows her entering secondary inspection at 10:46 am and leaving secondary to the public area at 11:42 am. Her claims of spending 43 hours in DHS custody are false."

Officials also released surveillance visuals that they say document her entry and exit from the inspection area within that timeframe.

Further complicating the narrative, Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt presented evidence that appears to contradict the detention claims.

According to Schmidt, records indicate Naqvi checked into the Hampton Inn and Suites in Rosemont, Illinois, during the same period she allegedly claimed to be in custody.

Investigators also referenced text exchanges and witness statements suggesting she was going about routine activities such as dining, visiting a spa and using gym facilities.

The sheriff additionally alleged that Naqvi made a trip to Wisconsin and back with an ex-boyfriend. He claimed the individual later told authorities he was aware she had not been detained but still aligned with the public narrative.

"I don't have any charges here in Dodge County to bring against her. My only recourse is to make sure that the public knows that she can't do this," Schmidt said.

With conflicting accounts dominating headlines, the sheriff proceeded to file a lawsuit seeking damages of at least $1 million.

"This lawsuit was filed because a completely fabricated story was pushed into the national spotlight by Naqvi and Cook County Commissioner Morrison," sheriff's lawyer, Sam Hall said. "Unfortunately, their claims were treated as fact without the most basic verification."

Authorities argue that the claims not only spread misinformation but also harmed the credibility of law enforcement agencies.

As the controversy unfolds, Naqvi's prior legal and financial record has resurfaced.

Reports indicate she was previously convicted of falsely claiming to be a victim of sexual assault and has faced eviction proceedings and financial liabilities in recent years.

"In 2024, a River North apartment complex said she owed over $43,000 in rent and fees. Around the same time, JP Morgan said she owed nearly $15,000 in unpaid credit card debt," Chicago Sun Times reported.

The case has rapidly evolved from a viral claim of wrongful detention into a complex legal dispute.

With authorities denying any custody and a lawsuit now in motion, the situation highlights how quickly unverified narratives can gain traction - and the potential consequences when those claims are challenged.