Overview
- DHS shared screenshots of emails from the Hampton Inn Lakeville stating the property would not allow ICE or other immigration agents and canceling bookings made with government credentials.
- Everpeak Hospitality, which operates the hotel, apologized and said it was contacting affected guests to ensure accommodations, though a DHS official said the agencies had not heard from the operator.
- Hilton initially said the hotel is independently owned and that the actions were not reflective of company values, then on Tuesday announced the property was not meeting standards and would be removed from Hilton’s system.
- Hilton referenced a video posted late Monday by influencer Nick Sortor that appeared to show a staffer still refusing rooms for DHS or ICE, prompting the company to reinforce standards with franchisees.
- The controversy coincides with reports that roughly 2,000 federal agents are deploying to the Twin Cities, and it has prompted online review campaigns and a short-term dip in Hilton’s share price during trading.