The Trump administration has publicly accused the Hilton Hotels chain of participating in a "coordinated campaign" to deny hotel rooms to federal immigration agents in the Minneapolis area.
Allegations of 'Malicious' Cancellations
On Monday, 5 January 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed its staff were refused accommodation once their identities as government immigration officers were revealed. The agency stated on social media platform X that when officers tried to book rooms using official government emails and rates, "Hilton Hotels maliciously CANCELLED their reservations." DHS described the alleged actions as "UNACCEPTABLE."
In its post, DHS shared redacted screenshots of messages purportedly from Hilton-associated properties. One message, dated 2 January and featuring an "@hilton" email address linked to the Everpeak Hospitality group, stated: "After further investigation online, we have found information about immigration work connected with your name and will be cancelling your upcoming reservation." Another, allegedly from the leadership of the Hampton Inn Lakeville, read: "We are not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property."
Hilton's Response and Franchise Model
Hilton Worldwide responded swiftly to the controversy, distancing the corporate brand from the alleged incidents. In a statement to CNBC, the company clarified, "This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values." It added that it was investigating the matter with the individual hotel and confirmed it works with governments and law enforcement globally.
The distinction is crucial, as many Hilton-branded hotels are independently run franchises. Shares of Hilton fell nearly 2.5 percent following the allegations. DHS did not provide evidence to The Independent to substantiate its claim of a "coordinated campaign" across the brand.
Broader Context in Minneapolis
The allegations emerge as the Trump administration surges DHS resources to Minneapolis, launching a reported crackdown that could involve up to 2,000 agents. This follows viral, though disputed, allegations of fraud at federally supported day care centres. President Trump has repeatedly criticised the city's large Somali-American community and its representative, Ilhan Omar. In response to the fraud claims, the administration has frozen childcare funding to Minnesota and nationwide.
This is not the first time hotel chains have faced scrutiny over dealings with immigration authorities. In 2020, Hilton corporate stated that detaining immigrants "is not activity that we support or in any way want associated with our hotels." In 2024, a Sheraton franchisee in Louisiana faced controversy for allegedly renting rooms to DHS to hold individuals facing deportation. In 2018, Motel 6 paid $7.6 million to settle a lawsuit after locations provided guest lists to ICE.
The Independent has contacted Everpeak Hospitality and the Hampton Inn Lakeville for comment.
