The days of bold corporate moves seemed to disappear amid DEI crackdowns, but one Hilton Hotel location bucked that trend with an announcement: ICE wasn't welcome in their rooms. And then they backed down amid a massive outcry.
Department of Homeland Security officials were outraged after a Hilton Hotels location openly refused service to ICE agents in Minneapolis, where the government is cracking down amid a massive welfare fraud investigation tied by the Trump Administration to Somali immigrants.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Lakeville, Minnesota, an independently owned Hilton location, canceled reservations made by DHS officers using official government emails and rates. When the department questioned the hotel's motives, the response was clear.
"We are not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property," the hotel operator wrote in an email. Another email released on X from the hotel says, "After further investigation online, we have found information about immigration work connected with your name and we will be cancelling your upcoming reservation. You should see a proper cancellation email in your inbox shortly from Hilton."
DHS officials alternated between criticizing Hilton Hotels for undermining law enforcement efforts, questioning why the hotel was "siding with murderers and rapists," and overall raised concerns about private businesses refusing service to government agencies.
It begs the question: is it legal to cancel the reservations? Per Grok, Minnesota does allow "refusal of hotel service for non-protected reasons under state law (Minn. Stat. § 327.73), and federal agent status isn't a protected class under civil rights laws. However, if it breaches a reservation contract, there could be civil claims."
Hilton Hotels, the national chain, said it is investigating this location. While Hilton does have an official policy of not participating in immigration activities at its hotels, a spokesperson for the corporation told FOX Business they're investigating this.
"Hilton hotels serve as welcoming places for all. This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values," the spokesperson said. "We are investigating this matter with this individual hotel, and can confirm that Hilton works with governments, law enforcement and community leaders around the world to ensure our properties are open and inviting to everyone."
Everpeak Hospitality, the group that operates the Hampton Inn, also released a statement saying it is committed to welcoming all guests and operating "in accordance with brand standards, applicable laws and its role as a professional hospitality provider."
Public reaction to the cancellations runs a gamut with some on social media calling the hotel “un-American” and others praising it for not hosting ICE.