A Minneapolis hotel franchisee deliberately canceled federal immigration agents’ reservations during a major enforcement operation, prompting Hilton to sever ties with the property after the anti-law enforcement scandal went public.

Federal Agents Denied Service During Critical Operation

Department of Homeland Security personnel faced deliberate discrimination when Hampton Inn by Hilton Lakeville Minneapolis staff sent emails on January 2nd explicitly stating they would not accommodate immigration agents. The cancellations occurred during a massive federal deployment of approximately 2,000 DHS agents to Minneapolis, part of the Trump administration’s crackdown following allegations of fraud at Somali-run daycare centers.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the hotel’s actions as “siding with murderers and rapists to undermine and impede DHS law enforcement deliberately.”

Hilton Cuts Ties With Defiant Franchisee

Hilton corporate moved swiftly to distance itself from the Minneapolis property after DHS publicly exposed the discriminatory emails on January 6th. The hotel giant emphasized that the Hampton Inn Lakeville is independently owned and operated by Everpeak Hospitality, stating the actions were “not reflective of Hilton values.” Hilton’s stock price declined 2.5% following the public allegations, demonstrating the financial consequences of franchisee misconduct that undermines law enforcement cooperation.

Pattern of Hotel Industry Obstruction

This incident is part of a troubling pattern in which hospitality businesses obstruct immigration enforcement operations. In 2020, Hilton corporate previously stated that detaining immigrants was not an activity they wanted “associated with our hotels,” following controversy over a Texas franchisee’s cooperation with ICE contractors. The Minneapolis cancellation occurred specifically when agents used official government email addresses and rates, suggesting staff deliberately identified and rejected federal law enforcement personnel based on their mission to enforce immigration laws.

Everpeak Hospitality issued an apology acknowledging the incident was “inconsistent with our policy of being a welcoming place for all,” but the damage to law enforcement operations was already done.

The franchisee’s quick reversal demonstrates how public exposure of anti-law enforcement bias forces accountability. However, it raises concerns about how many other properties may be quietly obstructing immigration enforcement without detection.

Sources:

ICE Blasts Hilton After Emails Allegedly Show Hotel Refusing Rooms to Immigration Agents

Hilton Hotels Ice Agents Rooms Trump

Dept Homeland Security Accuses Hotel Canceling Reservations Immigration

Hilton Minnesota Hotel Apologize for Email Canceling Immigration Agents Rooms