ICE blasts Hilton after emails allegedly show hotel refusing rooms to immigration agents
A Hilton-branded hotel in Minneapolis is facing scrutiny after allegedly canceling reservations made by federal immigration agents, prompting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to publicly question the decision.
Emails that ICE shared on social media appear to show staff at the Hampton Inn by Hilton Lakeville Minneapolis informing individuals associated with reservations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that the property would not allow ICE or other immigration agents to stay.
"We have noticed an influx of GOV reservations made today that have been for DHS, and 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," an email from a staff member at the Hilton-branded hotel allegedly reads.
"Please pass on this info to your coworkers that we are not allowing any immigration agents to house on our property."
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A follow-up email several hours later then allegedly stated, "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."
A Hilton spokesperson told Fox News Digital the hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced "are not reflective of Hilton values."
"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."
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital in a statement: "The men and women of ICE risk their personal safety to protect American communities and enforce the rule of law. Hilton Hotels is discriminating against our law enforcement agents and siding with murderers and rapists to deliberately undermine and impede DHS law enforcement from their mission to enforce our nation’s immigration laws."
The exchange prompted the official ICE account on X to post screenshots of the conversation.
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"Hey @HiltonHotels — why did your team in Minneapolis cancel our federal law enforcement officer and agents' reservations?" the post asked.
The revelation of the alleged hotel cancellations comes as CBS News reported Monday that the Trump administration has begun a large-scale deployment of DHS personnel in Minnesota as part of an expanded federal crackdown tied to a widening fraud scandal in the state.
CBS News reported the crackdown could involve roughly 2,000 agents and officers from ICE’s deportation branch and Homeland Security Investigations.