Minneapolis Hilton Cancels ICE and DHS Agents’ Reservations

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused a Hilton-branded hotel in the Minneapolis area of canceling reservations for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and other DHS personnel as they prepared for an escalated immigration enforcement operation in the region. According to screenshots DHS posted on X, hotel staff told agents that the property was not allowing any ICE or immigration personnel to stay there, citing an influx of government bookings.

Federal Accusations and Hilton Hotel Cancellations

The incident occurred at the Hampton Inn Lakeville, a property about 20 miles south of downtown Minneapolis, where reservations made with official government emails and rates were abruptly canceled after being identified as connected to DHS or ICE. One email reportedly said staff had “noticed an influx of GOV reservations” and would have to cancel bookings associated with immigration work.

Federal Response and Criticism

DHS publicly condemned the cancellations, calling the actions “malicious” and saying they undermined law enforcement efforts as federal agents were deployed to Minneapolis amid a broader crackdown linked to alleged fraud within immigrant communities in Minnesota. DHS officials used social media to amplify their criticism of what they described as a refusal to accommodate DHS personnel in the midst of official duties.

The controversy has ignited public debate over whether the hotel’s actions — even by a franchised property — amount to discrimination against federal law enforcement and whether such decisions interfere with official operations during times of heightened enforcement. Some observers interpreted the incident as politically charged, given the national climate around immigration policy and enforcement.

Hilton and Hotel Operator Response

Hilton Worldwide Holdings clarified that the hotel where the cancellations occurred is independently owned and operated, and said the cancellations did not reflect corporate values. Officials stated that Hilton properties are meant to be open to all guests, and emphasised existing policies against discrimination. The company and the local operator Everpeak Hospitality later issued apologies, describing the actions as inconsistent with their policies and saying they were working to re-accommodate affected guests.

Both Hilton and Everpeak said they were addressing the matter internally and contacting the agents whose reservations were affected. Hilton stated that it “works with governments, law enforcement and community leaders around the world” and that the incident did not represent the wider brand’s stance. However, neither Hilton corporate nor the hotel operator has fully confirmed the authenticity of the emails shared by DHS.

Business and Political Fallout

The episode also had market repercussions; Hilton’s shares fell roughly 1.5 percent in trading following the controversy, highlighting investor sensitivity to public relations challenges for major brands involved in politically charged disputes.

Immigrant-rights advocates have seized on the situation to highlight concerns about federal enforcement actions in Minnesota — particularly around Somali communities — arguing that the cancellations reflect broader tensions and resistance to aggressive immigration operations. Meanwhile, others defend the right of private businesses to refuse service to government agents under certain conditions, prompting lively online discussion.

The situation underscores growing national debates over immigration enforcement tactics, business responses, and the rights and responsibilities of privately owned hotels operating under major global brands.

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