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In an unexpected turn of events, Sunny Naqvi, a 28-year-old U.S. citizen, found herself detained by the Department of Homeland Security for nearly two days. The ordeal unfolded as Naqvi, who was born in Evanston and raised in the suburbs, tried to make sense of her abrupt detention.
Naqvi’s journey began with plans to embark on an overseas work trip alongside five colleagues. This diverse group consisted of three U.S. citizens and three green card holders, all residing legally in the country. However, the trip was abruptly canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, prompting the group to continue their travels domestically.
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The situation took an unexpected twist upon their return to Chicago last Friday. Naqvi was detained by DHS at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Her attorney attributes this sudden action to what authorities deemed a “curious travel history.” Consequently, Naqvi spent 30 hours at the airport before being transferred to a facility in Broadview and eventually to Dodge County, Wisconsin.
Throughout this ordeal, Naqvi’s family experienced anxiety and confusion. They drove to Wisconsin to retrieve her early Saturday morning, as they struggled with the lack of communication from federal agents. Despite previously tracking her location via her phone, the family was informed by agents that Naqvi was not in custody, even as her phone indicated she was at the Broadview facility.
Naqvi’s unexpected detention left her family both shocked and concerned, highlighting the complexities and challenges individuals can face when navigating the immigration and security systems, even as U.S. citizens.
“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.
ABC7 saw a pretty large crowd join some elected officials on Sunday in front of the facility, saying this was an unlawful detainment.
“It was just really scary to me, and I think it’s really scary to know that this can happen to someone born here,” said Sarah Afzal, Naqvi’s sister.
The family says Naqvi hitch hiked a ride from a random woman driving nearby after she was released from the facility in Dodge County, where family then picked her up at a hotel in Wisconsin.
Naqvi is back at home now. She was too shaken to speak with ABC7 on Sunday. ABC7 is still waiting to hear on the status of the five others that were detained with her. DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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