Hilton Hotel Apologizes for Cancelling ICE Agents' Reservations in Minnesota

A Minnesota hotel operated under the Hilton brand has found itself at the center of controversy for refusing to accommodate federal immigration agents this month. The Hampton Inn, located in Lakeville, announced an apology following the uproar, stating that their refusal to serve the agents contradicts the hotel’s established policies.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently accused Hilton Hotels of a coordinated effort to deny service to its employees focused on immigration enforcement, indicating that when officers attempted to book rooms using official government emails, their reservations were maliciously canceled.

DHS shared screenshots on social media illustrating the cancellation, asserting that Hilton’s actions were an attempt to impede law enforcement's ability to enforce immigration laws. This incident has sparked widespread commentary about the hotel chain's approach to law enforcement and its broader implications.

Following the backlash, Hilton and its local operators rapidly released statements of apology, clarifying that the communication which instructed staff to cancel reservations for immigration agents was not in alignment with their policies. An official from Hilton explained that while Hampton Inn properties do operate under the Hilton brand, they are independently managed, and the problem was a failure on the property level.

“We have been in direct contact with the hotel, and they have apologized for the actions of their team, which were not in keeping with their policies,” DHS noted in a statement. The hotel management, represented by Everpeak Hospitality, made it clear that the cancellations were inconsistent with their mission to welcome all individuals irrespective of their affiliations.

“Everpeak Hospitality has moved swiftly to address this matter,” they stated, expressing their commitment to rectify the situation and ensure no discrimination against individuals or agencies occurs in the future. They also communicated that they are in touch with the affected guests to accommodate them accordingly.