Hilton Investigates Minnesota Hotel After Allegations
Hilton Hotels has initiated an investigation into independently owned properties in the Minneapolis region following claims from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleging that law enforcement officers were denied services. This incident has reopened discussions about the company’s ongoing opposition to immigration-related operations occurring within its hotels.
An email circulated on social media—originating from DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—shows staff at the Hampton Inn by Hilton Lakeville in Minnesota informing DHS reservations personnel that the hotel would not accept ICE or other immigration agents.
A Hilton representative stated that the company is looking into the situation, emphasizing that the described actions do not align with Hilton’s established values. “Hilton hotels aim to provide a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Since this hotel is independently owned and operated, its actions do not reflect our values,” the spokesperson remarked. “We are handling this matter directly with the individual hotel, and I can confirm that we are collaborating with government agencies, law enforcement, and community leaders to ensure our hotels remain inclusive.”
Later, a Hilton spokesperson reiterated the hotel’s independent ownership, clarifying that such actions are not representative of the Hilton brand. “We’ve reached out to the hotel and expressed our regret over the behavior, as it contradicts our team policy. They are taking immediate steps to rectify this issue. Hilton firmly believes that our properties should be accessible to everyone without any form of discrimination,” the spokesperson added.
Everpeak Hospitality, the company managing the Hampton Inn, also issued a statement affirming its commitment to welcoming all guests and adhering to brand standards and legal requirements. “Everpeak Hospitality swiftly addressed this matter as it was against our policy of being a welcoming environment for everyone. We are reaching out to the guests impacted to ensure their accommodation,” the statement mentioned. “We do not discriminate against any individual or agency and apologize to anyone affected.”
The Hampton Inn faced intense backlash after ICE announced that reservations made by its agents were canceled, which prompted both ICE and DHS to publicly scrutinize the hotel’s actions.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of DHS commented on the situation, mentioning that Hilton has allegedly conducted a coordinated effort to deny service to DHS law enforcement representatives. When employees tried to book rooms using official emails and rates, the hotel purportedly canceled their reservations in a calculated manner. “This behavior is unacceptable,” she emphasized, questioning why Hilton would side with harmful individuals rather than support the enforcement of immigration laws.
The whole situation seems to echo Hilton’s public stance since 2020, when it clearly opposed its hotels being used for immigration detention. At that time, the company made known its objective to fortify that policy across all U.S. properties, reiterating its belief that hotels should promote hospitality rather than serve as a backdrop for the detention of immigrants.
