A major immigration enforcement operation planned by the Trump administration has been thrown into disarray after hotel giant Hilton allegedly refused accommodation to federal agents.
DHS Accuses Hotel Chain of 'Siding with Criminals'
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, has publicly accused Hilton Hotels of engaging in a 'coordinated campaign' to obstruct law enforcement. The controversy centres on the city of Minneapolis, where over 2,000 ICE agents and DHS officers are being deployed for a significant immigration crackdown.
In a fiery post on the social media platform X on Monday, the DHS official account stated: 'NO ROOM AT THE INN! Hilton Hotels has launched a coordinated campaign in Minneapolis to REFUSE service to DHS law enforcement.' The department claimed that when officers attempted to book rooms using official government channels, the reservations were 'maliciously CANCELLED'.
DHS escalated its rhetoric, demanding: 'Why is Hilton Hotels siding with murderers and rapists to deliberately undermine and impede DHS law enforcement from their mission?'
Franchise Model Complicates Response
In response to inquiries, a Hilton spokesperson told Fox News that the company was investigating the matter with an individual hotel. The spokesperson emphasised that Hilton properties are independently owned and operated under a franchise model, distancing the global brand from day-to-day operational decisions.
'Hilton Hotels serve as welcoming places for all. This hotel is independently owned and operated and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values,' the statement read.
The DHS shared alleged email evidence showing a Hilton employee stating: 'We are not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property.' The specific hotel location involved has not been officially confirmed.
Political Fallout and Boycott Calls
The incident has ignited a fierce political backlash. Conservative groups have called for a widespread boycott of Hilton brands unless the company intervenes. Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point, declared on X: 'This is blatant discrimination against federal law enforcement... The next step is clear: Either Hilton condemns this, apologises, and reverses course in Minnesota or we boycott Hilton Hotels.'
This operation marks the first major immigration surge of 2026 for DHS. The crackdown follows reports, amplified by conservative influencer Nick Shirley, alleging widespread fraud within Somali-run daycare centres in Minnesota. Homeland Security claims that immigration officers have already made over 700 arrests in the region as part of related probes.
The situation leaves the planned large-scale enforcement action in Minneapolis in limbo, highlighting the practical and political challenges facing the administration's deportation agenda.
