Particle.news
Download on the App Store

U.S. Citizen Detained at O'Hare for 43 Hours Is Freed in Wisconsin

Her attorney and local officials seek an explanation from DHS; legal action is under consideration.

Overview

  • Sunny Naqvi, 28, was held by federal agents after landing at O'Hare with five coworkers, spending about 30 hours at the airport before being taken to Broadview and then a Dodge County, Wisconsin facility where she was released Saturday.
  • Family members tracked her phone to the detention sites even as officials told them she was not in custody, and a county commissioner says the phone was accessed, messages were read, and it was then shut off.
  • Naqvi's group included three U.S. citizens and three green card holders, all reported to be of Pakistani descent, and she was told only that agents flagged a 'curious travel history.'
  • Relatives say Naqvi had to hitchhike after being released in Wisconsin before family retrieved her at a hotel; she returned home shaken and did not speak publicly Sunday.
  • DHS had not responded to media inquiries, Naqvi's attorney and elected officials said they are weighing a lawsuit, her family reported her passport was not returned, and reporters had not confirmed the status of the five coworkers.