DHS criticized the independently-run hotel.
Another brand has gotten caught up in the growing polarization in the U.S. Hilton Hotels has removed a Minneapolis hotel from its website for refusing bookings from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The global hotel chain, which has more than 9,000 properties worldwide, faced backlash from the right after news broke that a Hampton Inn, a Hilton brand, had refused bookings for law enforcement. Now it is being criticized by the left for reportedly caving to pressure from the other side.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) criticized the Hampton Inn, located in the Lakeville suburb of Minneapolis, for canceling bookings for ICE agents. In a post on X, DHS alleged that Hilton Hotels had maliciously canceled its reservations as part of a coordinated campaign. The post included screenshots of an email that read, “We have noticed an influx of GOV reservations made today that have been for DHS, and 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.”
NO ROOM AT THE INN!@HiltonHotels has launched a coordinated campaign in Minneapolis to REFUSE service to DHS law enforcement.
When officers attempted to book rooms using official government emails and rates, Hilton Hotels maliciously CANCELLED their reservations.
This is… pic.twitter.com/qKMKypGtzi
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 5, 2026
Hilton and Everpeak Hospitality, which operates the hotel, both released statements apologizing and reaffirming that they do not discriminate. Hilton Hotels distanced itself from the independently operated hotel’s actions and said they do not reflect Hilton’s values. However, the company also confirmed it had rectified the matter. Everpeak stated it welcomes all guests, adding, “We are in touch with the impacted guests to ensure they are accommodated.”
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A day later, the hotel was removed from Hilton’s website. In a statement on X, the hotel chain said the owner had confirmed resolution of the issue, but that a recent video had made it clear the hotel was not meeting Hilton’s standards. “As such, we are taking immediate action to remove this hotel from our systems. Hilton is—and has always been—a welcoming place for all.”
Statement from Hilton on a recent video pic.twitter.com/W8DWUTWD7f
— Hilton Newsroom (@HiltonNewsroom) January 6, 2026
The video refers to influencer Nick Sortor entering the Hampton Inn while posing as a federal agent and asking for a reservation. The front desk staff, unaware they are being filmed, inform him they are not accepting bookings from DHS agents. Sortor cites the statements from Hilton and Everpeak affirming a welcome for all, but the hotel clerk politely states that it is against their policies.
🚨 BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: I went into the Minnesota Hilton who “apologized” for banning DHS agents, and EXPOSED them for CONTINUING to ban DHS agents@HiltonHotels has decided they want the FULL BUDLIGHT treatment at this point.
Hilton’s operator, Everpeak, STRAIGHT UP LIED in… pic.twitter.com/3g97P7okpz
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 6, 2026
It is unclear whether the hotel still has an affiliation with the global chain, but it can no longer be booked through Hilton’s website.
The Political Background
In his second term, President Donald Trump has increased immigration detentions as promised in his campaign. More than 328,000 people have been arrested since January, most with no criminal records. U.S. citizens have also been affected, and there have been reports of deportations of immigrants to countries where they have no ties. Masked agents have been recorded detaining people in schools, courtrooms, and residences, with more violent videos showing agents shoving people or breaking car windows, frightening communities. Consequently, there is growing apprehension about unidentified cars and people in vests appearing in neighborhoods.
In recent weeks, Minnesota has come under the president’s scrutiny.
In an unfortunate incident, 37-year-old U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday. The city has erupted in protests against federal agents.
This occurred after the Trump administration deployed 2,000 immigration agents to crack down on the Somali community in the state, following alleged fraud accusations by a conservative YouTuber. The administration has also blocked child care payments and admitted to planning the “largest DHS operation ever.” This has led to tensions between federal agents, state leaders, and residents.
Residents have shown their discontent by impeding agents, demonstrating outside hotels where agents are suspected to be staying, and alerting each other about masked individuals in their neighborhoods.