Hilton Under Fire After Canceling ICE Agent Reservations

Hilton Faces Backlash Over Minneapolis ICE Agent Cancellations

A Hilton-branded hotel in Minneapolis has ignited a national controversy after allegedly canceling reservations made by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which accused the hospitality giant of deliberately undermining law enforcement operations.

What Happened: The Alleged Cancellations

According to DHS officials, staff at the Hampton Inn by Hilton Lakeville Minneapolis refused to honor bookings made by ICE agents using official government email addresses and rates. Screenshots shared by DHS on social media show emails where hotel staff explicitly stated: "We are not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property. If you are with DHS or immigration, let us know as we will have to cancel your reservation."

In follow-up communications, hotel employees allegedly canceled reservations after researching guests' identities, claiming: "After further investigation online, we have found information about immigration work connected with your name and we will be cancelling your upcoming reservation."

DHS Response: "Unacceptable" and "Malicious"

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the actions as a "coordinated campaign" against federal law enforcement. In a strongly worded statement, she said: "When officers attempted to book rooms using official government emails and rates, Hilton Hotels maliciously CANCELLED their reservations. This is UNACCEPTABLE. Why is Hilton Hotels siding with murderers and rapists to deliberately undermine and impede DHS law enforcement?"

"This is UNACCEPTABLE. Why is Hilton Hotels siding with murderers and rapists to deliberately undermine and impede DHS law enforcement?"
— DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

Context: Federal Operation in Minneapolis

The cancellations come amid a significant federal crackdown in Minneapolis. The Trump administration has deployed approximately 2,000 DHS agents to the area as part of an operation targeting immigration enforcement and alleged fraud involving Somali nationals. This surge has drawn pushback from local leaders but continues amid ongoing investigations that have already yielded over 700 arrests.

Hilton's Position and Industry Impact

Hilton has not yet issued a formal response to the allegations. The company operates primarily through a franchise model, suggesting the decision may reflect local management rather than corporate policy. This isn't the first time Hilton has navigated immigration-related controversies—previously, the chain clarified its opposition to using properties for immigrant detention after reports of such practices in Texas.

The incident has triggered public backlash, with calls for boycotts emerging on social media. Hilton's stock price reportedly dropped 1.5% following the news, reflecting market concern over the potential fallout.

What's Next?

The controversy highlights intensifying tensions between federal immigration policies and local businesses. As the Minneapolis operation continues, observers will watch whether: (1) Hilton apologizes and reverses the cancellations, (2) other hospitality chains face similar scrutiny, or (3) the incident leads to broader policy discussions about businesses' obligations to federal agencies. For now, the situation underscores the complex intersection of corporate responsibility and national security enforcement.