Allegations of false statements about the detention of a U.S. citizen have led to a federal lawsuit seeking over $1 million in damages from each defendant. The suit was filed by Sheriff Dale Schmidt, in his individual capacity, with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin on April 10, 2026, naming Summer Sundas Naqvi and Kevin Morrison as defendants.
According to the complaint, Sheriff Schmidt asserts that Summer Sundas Naqvi and Kevin Morrison made public claims that Naqvi was unlawfully detained at O’Hare International Airport and later held at Dodge County Jail in Wisconsin. The filing states that these allegations were widely disseminated through press conferences, news outlets, and social media platforms between March 5 and March 12, 2026.
The document outlines that on or about March 5, 2026, Naqvi arrived at O’Hare International Airport from Istanbul. Security footage reportedly shows her entering and leaving a secondary inspection area before checking into a hotel near the airport. The complaint further details her movements through Illinois and Wisconsin over several days but asserts she was never booked or detained at Dodge County Jail. Despite this, the plaintiff claims Naqvi publicly stated she had been taken into custody upon arrival at O’Hare, detained for thirty hours, transported to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Illinois, then moved across state lines to be held at Dodge County Jail before being released on March 7.
The lawsuit also highlights statements made by Kevin Morrison during a press conference on March 8, 2026. At that time Morrison was serving as Cook County Commissioner and was a candidate for the United States Congress. During the event and subsequent interviews with news outlets such as WISN 12 News and WBBM Newsradio, Morrison allegedly accused government officials—including Sheriff Schmidt—of illegally detaining a U.S. citizen without due process and participating in a cover-up by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.
The complaint cites specific remarks attributed to Morrison: “They have been lying from the very start of this. I don’t think they want to own up to the fact that, once again, they have illegally detained American citizen without due process.” Other statements shared via social media include: “It sounds like they are trying to create a cover up. They are seeking not to have any accountability whatsoever… We need transparency of the facts of what actually occurred.”
Sheriff Schmidt’s filing argues these statements were demonstrably false and capable of being proven so by jail logs showing no female inmates or detainees from federal authorities admitted or released during the relevant period. The complaint alleges that these public claims caused significant reputational harm to Schmidt as he prepares for re-election in 2026.
The legal action brings two causes of action—defamation against both Naqvi and Morrison—asserting their statements were unprivileged publications communicated to third parties with intent or effect of damaging Schmidt’s reputation within his community. According to court documents: “Defendant Naqvi’s defamatory statements were unprivileged and irreparably harmed Sheriff Schmidt’s reputation as to lower him in the estimation of the Dodge County community.” Similar language is used regarding Morrison’s alleged conduct.
As relief, Sheriff Schmidt seeks actual and compensatory damages exceeding $1 million against each defendant for defamatory statements; punitive damages; injunctive relief; attorneys’ fees; litigation expenses; costs of suit; and any other relief deemed just by the court.
The case is identified as Case No.: 26-CV-611 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Attorneys Samuel C. Hall Jr. (State Bar No.: 1045476) and Maia I. Hentges (State Bar No.: 1138038) of Crivello, Nichols & Hall S.C., represent Sheriff Dale Schmidt.
Source: 226cv00611_Sheriff_Dale_Schmidt_v_Naqvi_Complaint_Eastern_District_Wisconsin.pdf
