A Minnesota hotel brazenly canceled ICE agents’ rooms for their federal duties, only to lose its Hilton affiliation in a swift corporate purge that exposed the perils of politicized hospitality.
Story Snapshot
- Hampton Inn Lakeville explicitly refused ICE officers using government rates and emails on January 2, 2026.
- DHS blasted the incident on X as a “malicious” attack on law enforcement, igniting national backlash.
- Hotel operator Everpeak apologized, but a damning video revealed continued defiance.
- Hilton severed ties with the property on January 6, enforcing its “welcoming for all” standards.
- The episode underscores tensions between immigration enforcement and sanctuary sympathies in Trump-era Minnesota.
ICE Agents Targeted in Reservation Cancellations
ICE officers booked rooms at Hampton Inn Lakeville, 20 miles south of Minneapolis, using official government emails and rates. Hotel staff researched the agents’ names, discovered DHS affiliations, and canceled the reservations on January 2, 2026. An email from a @hilton.com address declared, “We are not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property.” This direct refusal disrupted federal operations targeting alleged Somali immigrant fraud in the region.
DHS viewed the cancellations as deliberate sabotage amid heightened enforcement under the Trump administration. Common sense dictates hotels serve all paying guests, including law enforcement, without ideological gatekeeping. Such actions risk operational chaos for agents protecting borders and communities.
DHS Ignites Public Firestorm on Social Media
On January 5, DHS posted screenshots of the hotel’s email on X, labeling it a “coordinated campaign” against federal agents. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin amplified the outcry, calling the discrimination “unAmerican” with real business repercussions. Conservative influencer Nick Sortor captured front-desk staff denying bookings despite apologies, fueling viral outrage. Biblical echoes of “no room at the inn” resonated in DHS rhetoric.
These posts rallied Trump supporters, framing the incident as elite disdain for rule of law. Facts align with conservative values prioritizing secure borders and agent safety over sanctuary posturing. Hotels cannot pick and choose federal clients without consequences.
Everpeak Hospitality Issues Apology Amid Escalation
Everpeak Hospitality, the independent operator of the Hampton Inn, responded on January 6 with a website apology. They claimed the cancellations contradicted non-discriminatory policies and pledged to accommodate affected guests. Hilton initially distanced itself, noting franchise independence. Yet Sortor’s video showed desk staff persisting in refusals, contradicting the mea culpa.
Hotel MALICIOUSLY BANS ICE Agents, Then THIS HAPPENED… https://t.co/yseM88gzBJ via @YouTube
— Wesley Harper (@Wes_FPV) January 7, 2026
Apologies rang hollow against video evidence. Franchisees wield limited power under corporate oversight; Everpeak’s misstep invited justified scrutiny. American principles demand equal treatment, especially for those upholding immigration laws amid Minnesota’s tensions.
Hilton severs Ties with Defiant Property
Hilton acted decisively on January 6, removing the Hampton Inn from its systems. An X statement read: “We are taking immediate action… Hilton is – and has always been – a welcoming place for all.” The move followed the video exposure, citing failure to meet brand standards. Hilton shares rose 2.09% that day.
Corporate swiftness protected Hilton’s reputation while signaling zero tolerance for politicized refusals. This precedent warns franchisees: ideological defiance costs affiliations and revenue. DHS welcomed the outcome, reinforcing accountability in hospitality.
Broader Ramifications for Hospitality and Enforcement
The saga highlights fractures in Minnesota’s Somali communities under ICE scrutiny, mirroring national immigration debates. Boycott calls targeted the hotel, while Hilton garnered support. Long-term, chains face pressure to vet franchisees on government bookings. Legal reviews loom for discrimination claims.
Conservative viewpoints, backed by DHS evidence, decry anti-ICE bias as undermining national security. Facts prove rapid corporate response works; businesses thrive by serving all, not sanctuary agendas. This event fortifies resolve against politicized barriers to law enforcement.
Sources:
Hilton says it will drop Minnesota hotel that canceled immigration agents’ rooms
