A Hilton-branded hotel in Minneapolis has stirred controversy by allegedly canceling reservations meant for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, according to reports. The initial email from the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville clearly stated that reservations for DHS officials would not be honored. It read: “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.” The front office manager asked that the information be passed along to coworkers, ensuring all were aware of this policy.
The situation escalated when a follow-up email disclosed that further investigations led to the cancellation of reservations linked to immigration work. It affirmed, “You should see a proper cancellation email in your inbox shortly from Hilton.” Images of these emails were shared by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on social media, underlining what they termed a coordinated effort to prohibit service to law enforcement officials.
DHS expressed strong discontent, stating, “NO ROOM AT THE INN! @HiltonHotels has launched a coordinated campaign in Minneapolis to REFUSE service to DHS law enforcement.” Such language hints at a troubling trend where hotels might deny service to federal agents responsible for enforcing immigration laws. “This is UNACCEPTABLE,” said DHS, questioning why Hilton would collaborate with those they believe undermine their enforcement efforts.
The controversy deepens with the backdrop of the federal government’s deployment of 2,000 agents to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. This move is part of a surge in operations targeting immigration issues, particularly following the Somali fraud scandal. Such significant deployment emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, with sources noting that the number of agents being sent to Minneapolis is comparable to the total ICE workforce in Arizona.
In response to the accusations, Hilton issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to welcoming all guests. The company noted that the hotel in question operates independently and that its actions do not reflect Hilton’s values. They further affirmed, “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.”
This incident raises troubling questions about the accessibility of services to law enforcement personnel tasked with maintaining order. The independent actions of one hotel may reflect broader tensions in society regarding immigration enforcement and the treatment of federal agents. As these developments unfold, they may provoke further scrutiny of relationships between private enterprises and government enforcement agencies.
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