Minneapolis Hilton Hotel Cancels Reservations Made by ICE

A Hilton hotel in Minneapolis allegedly canceled reservations made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

The Details: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that the Hampton Inn Lakeville, a Hilton-brand hotel in suburban Minneapolis, cancelled the reservations of ICE officers who booked rooms using official government emails and rates. DHS posted screenshots of the emails in which hotel operators said they were not allowing ICE agents to stay at the property. Hilton Worldwide Holdings said the property is "independently owned and operated" by Everpeak Hospitality, owned by Indian partners. DHS is investigating the matter.

Key Quote: "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. A spokesperson from Hilton said, "Hilton works with governments, law enforcement and community leaders around the world to ensure our properties are open and inviting to everyone."

For Context: The Trump administration sent ICE officers to Minnesota after allegations of fraud against Somali-linked daycare centers. The backlash has led to criticism of Governor Tim Walz (D-MN), who has decided on Monday not to run for reelection. Meanwhile, immigration-rights advocates are saying that the administration is using the fraud investigations to broadly target Somali immigrants. 

How the Media Covered It: Fox News (Right bias) reported that ICE is blasting Hilton over the emails, and Washington Times (Lean Right) reported that HHS says the room cancellations were intentional. CNN (Lean Left) and CBS News (Lean Left) reported that the allegations of cancelled hotel reservations come as the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis escalates.

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