The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Trump administration has made a significant accusation against the global hotel chain Hilton, claiming its agents were deliberately denied accommodation in the Minneapolis area.
Allegations of "Malicious" Cancellations
According to the DHS, reservations made by its immigration enforcement officers were "maliciously cancelled" once hotel staff became aware of their identities as government agents. The department shared screenshots of purported messages from a Hampton Inn Lakeville, a brand under the Hilton umbrella, which explicitly referenced "immigration work" and stated, "We are not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property." The alleged incident occurred in early January 2026.
Hilton's Response and Ownership Structure
In response to the allegations, Hilton provided a statement to CNBC. The hospitality giant emphasised that the specific hotel involved is independently owned and operated, a common franchising model in the industry. Hilton stated that the actions described do not reflect the company's core values and confirmed that an internal investigation into the matter is underway.
Broader Context and Past Incidents
This controversy emerges concurrently with a reported DHS crackdown on operations in the Minneapolis region. Furthermore, it is not an isolated event. Similar incidents where hotel chains have faced scrutiny or activist pressure over providing services to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been recorded in the past, highlighting the ongoing political and social tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States.
The situation underscores the complex intersection of corporate policy, franchise independence, and highly charged political activism, placing major hospitality brands in a difficult position between government contracts and public sentiment.
