DHS Disputes Account of Illinois Woman Detained at O’Hare, Sparking Concerns Over Due Process
CHICAGO (AP) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is refuting claims that Sunny Naqvi, a 28-year-old U.S. citizen from Evanston, Illinois, was held for nearly three days after arriving at O’Hare International Airport. The case has ignited a debate over the treatment of American citizens returning to the U.S. and raised questions about transparency within federal agencies.
Naqvi’s family and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison alleged she was detained beginning Thursday, March 5, 2026, and subsequently transferred to a facility in Broadview, Illinois, before her location became untraceable. Morrison has publicly accused the administration of detaining citizens without due process.
However, the DHS released a statement asserting that Naqvi was never arrested or taken into custody. According to the DHS, Naqvi arrived at O’Hare at 10:21 a.m. on March 5 and was referred to secondary inspection for additional screening based on law enforcement checks. She departed within 90 minutes of arrival, and was not transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for detention.
The discrepancy in accounts stems from a change in travel plans. Naqvi and a group of six were initially intending to travel to India, but those plans were cancelled. Upon returning to Chicago, the group was reportedly detained due to what Naqvi’s attorney described as a “curious travel history.”
According to reports, Naqvi was able to reach a gas station and then a Holiday Inn after being released on Saturday, where she was contacted by her sister. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt in Wisconsin confirmed that Naqvi was never booked, detained, or released from their jail.
The case highlights growing concerns about the rights of U.S. citizens facing increased scrutiny at the border and within the country. While the DHS maintains Naqvi was processed and released according to protocol, the conflicting narratives underscore the need for clear communication and accountability when dealing with citizens’ liberty.
The DHS statement called the claims made by Naqvi’s family “blatantly FALSE.” The situation remains under scrutiny as officials seek to reconcile the differing accounts and address concerns about potential overreach in border enforcement.