Hilton Removes Minneapolis Hotel After ICE Drama

Hilton Worldwide Holdings has removed a Minneapolis-area hotel from its corporate system after the property cancelled reservations made by ICE and DHS agents, the company and federal authorities confirmed. The move came after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shared screenshots showing the hotel telling agents their bookings had been canceled because the property would not allow immigration officials to stay, an action DHS called unacceptable and discriminatory.

Hilton Hotel Cancelled Federal Agents’ Reservations

The property at the centre of the controversy was a Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, about 20 miles south of Minneapolis. Agents involved in a broader federal immigration enforcement operation booking rooms using official government emails and federal rates reportedly had their reservations revoked after staff identified their affiliation with ICE or DHS. DHS accused the hotel of refusing service to law enforcement personnel, prompting public attention and criticism.

Hilton Distances Itself and Severs Franchise Ties

Hilton quickly responded by clarifying that the hotel was independently owned and operated under franchise agreements and that its actions did not reflect the hotel chain’s policies or values. They mentioned: “Hilton hotels serve as welcoming places for all,” the company said in a statement, adding that the property’s conduct was inconsistent with its standards. After reviewing a video showing a desk clerk again denying rooms to someone claiming to be a DHS agent — despite earlier apologies and claims the issue was fixed — Hilton said it would remove the hotel from its systems immediately.

Hilton said it was reinforcing its standards with all franchisees to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing that properties must meet brand expectations around inclusivity and compliance with non-discrimination policies. The owner-operator of the hotel, Everpeak Hospitality, had previously apologized for the cancellations, calling the actions inconsistent with its own policies and stating it was working to re-accommodate impacted guests.

DHS and Public Reaction

The controversy was amplified after screenshots of cancellation emails — which stated that the hotel would not allow any immigration agents to stay — were posted by DHS on social media. In its post, DHS described the cancellations as “malicious” and said they undermined law enforcement efforts during an ongoing operation in Minnesota tied to fraud investigations. The department said the cancellations were unacceptable and suggested they impeded federal officers carrying out official duties.

The incident prompted heated discussion online, with some arguing that the hotel’s actions constituted discrimination against federal law enforcement, while others debated whether private franchise owners have discretion over whom they accommodate. Some commenters also raised broader tensions about immigration enforcement operations in the Twin Cities area and local opposition to federal tactics.

Broader Implications for Franchises

Hilton’s swift removal of the hotel highlights how large hotel brands manage franchise compliance and protect their reputation when individual properties take controversial actions. Although franchise hotels are independently owned, they operate under licensing agreements that require adherence to corporate guidelines, including non-discrimination policies. Failure to meet these standards can result in disassociation, as in this case.

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