The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has publicly accused Hilton Hotels of deliberately denying service to immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The incident, which DHS described as a “coordinated campaign,” involved the Hampton Inn Lakeville Minneapolis refusing reservations made by federal agents using official government email addresses and requesting discounted rates.
The Allegations
According to DHS, the hotel explicitly canceled bookings for officers involved in immigration enforcement. A screenshot of an email was shared, showing the property stating it would not accommodate immigration agents. DHS officials framed the action as a deliberate attempt to obstruct federal law enforcement efforts and undermine U.S. immigration laws.
The timing of this incident is notable. In early December, former President Trump made highly charged remarks against Somali immigrants, calling them “garbage” and advocating for their deportation. Minnesota has one of the largest Somali communities in the United States.
Hilton’s Response
Hilton acknowledged that the Hampton Inn Lakeville is independently owned and operated under its brand umbrella. In an emailed statement, a spokesperson said the alleged actions do not align with the company’s values and that an investigation is underway.
“We do not discriminate against any individuals or agencies and apologize to those impacted.”
Context: Rising Tensions
The DHS accusation comes amid growing resistance to increased immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Local immigrant-rights activists have actively sought to disrupt operations by protesting outside hotels where they believe agents are staying, making their presence unwelcome.
This situation reflects a broader trend of escalating friction between federal immigration authorities and communities where enforcement is intensified. The hotel incident raises questions about the extent to which private businesses will comply with federal requests, particularly in areas with strong local opposition to immigration policies.
The incident highlights how political and social tensions can spill over into everyday commercial interactions, complicating law enforcement operations and raising legal and ethical questions for businesses.
