Hilton distanced himself from the Minneapolis hotel after ICE agents refused him rooms

Hilton Hotels said it is investigating an independently owned Minneapolis-area property after Homeland Security (DHS) allegedly denied service to law enforcement officials, a dispute that has renewed scrutiny of the company’s longstanding opposition to immigration-related activity at its hotels.

Emails shared on social media by DHS and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) appear to show employees of the Hampton Inn by Hilton Lakeville, Minnesota, telling people connected to DHS reservations that the property does not allow ICE or other immigration agents to stay.

A Hilton spokesperson told FOX Business that the company is investigating the incident and that the actions described do not reflect Hilton’s values.

“Hilton hotels serve as a welcoming place for all. This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced do not reflect Hilton values,” the spokesperson said. “We are investigating this matter with these individual hotels, and can confirm that Hilton works closely with governments, law enforcement and community leaders around the world to ensure our properties are open and welcoming to all.”

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A spokesperson later reached out to FOX Business to reiterate that Hampton Inn is independently owned and operated and that its actions do not reflect Hilton values.

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“We have been in direct contact with the hotel, and they have apologized for the actions of their team, which were not in line with their policies,” the spokesperson said. “They have taken immediate steps to resolve this matter. Hilton’s position is clear: our properties are open to all and we will not tolerate discrimination of any kind.”

Hampton Inn, the managing company that operates Everpeak Hospitality, also released a statement saying it is committed to welcoming all guests and operating in accordance with the brand’s standards, applicable laws and its role as a professional hospitality provider.

“Everpeak Hospitality has moved swiftly to address this matter as inconsistent with our policy of being a welcoming place for all,” Everpeak said. “We are in contact with affected guests to accommodate them. We do not discriminate against any individual or agency and apologize to those affected.”

The Hampton Inn came under scrutiny after ICE canceled reservations made by its agents, prompting ICE and DHS to publicly question the hotel’s operations.

ICE shared an email string to X, “Hey @HiltonHotels – why did your team in Minneapolis cancel the reservation for our federal law enforcement officers and agents?”

ICE also posted screenshots of the emails.

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“After an online investigation, we have learned of an immigration action linked to your name and we will be canceling your upcoming reservation,” an email from a Hilton email address read. “You should see a proper cancellation email from Hilton in your inbox shortly.”

In another email shared with X, the hotel addressed reservations made at the Hampton Inn Lakeville property.

“We have seen an influx of GOV reservations made for DHS today, and we are not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay on our property,” the email said. “If you are with DHS or immigration, let us know because we will have to cancel your reservation.

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“Please pass this information on to your colleagues that we are not allowing any immigration agents to stay on our property,” the email continued.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital in a statement, “Hilton launched a coordinated campaign in Minneapolis to deny service to DHS law enforcement. When officials attempted to book rooms using official government emails and rates, Hilton hotels maliciously canceled their reservations.”

“This is unacceptable,” McLaughlin said. “Why are Hilton hotels siding with murderers and rapists to deliberately undermine and obstruct DHS law enforcement from their mission to enforce our nation’s immigration laws?”

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The controversy also echoes Hilton’s public stance since 2020, when the company drew a firm line against its properties being used in connection with immigration detention.

At the time, Hilton said it opposed any use of its hotels to detain immigrants and took steps to reinforce this policy at its U.S. properties.

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“Our statement from July 24, 2020 remains true. We believe hotels should be places of hospitality, and the detention of immigrants, including minors, is not an activity we support or in any way associate with our hotels,” Hilton said at the time.

Fox News Digital’s Ashley Carnahan contributed to this report.

Original article source: Hilton distanced himself from the Minneapolis hotel after ICE agents refused him rooms