A hotel under the Hilton brand in Minneapolis has sparked controversy after cancelling reservations made by agents from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Hotel Blocks Government Bookings
The incident occurred on Monday, as detailed by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a post on social media platform X. The department stated that after ICE officers booked rooms using official government email addresses and rates, the hotel cancelled their reservations.
The DHS also shared screenshots of email correspondence in which the hotel's operators said they had "noticed an influx of GOV reservations made today that have been for DHS" and confirmed they were not allowing any ICE agents to stay at the property.
Hilton Distances Itself from Decision
In response, a spokesperson for Hilton emphasised that the brand's hotels aim to serve as welcoming places for all. The spokesperson clarified that the specific hotel involved is independently owned and operated, stating that the cancellations "are not reflective of Hilton values".
"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," the spokesperson added.
Broader Context and Community Reaction
The move comes amid a heightened political climate in Minnesota, where the Trump administration has deployed additional ICE officers following allegations of fraud involving federal funds intended for social services within the state's Somali community.
Immigrant-rights advocates have accused the administration of using these fraud investigations as a pretext to target Somali immigrants more broadly. In recent weeks, protesters have rallied outside hotels in Minnesota and elsewhere where ICE agents are staying, attempting to disrupt their sleep and urging hotels not to host them.
Public reaction was swift. Google reviews for the hotel, believed to be located in an outer suburb of Minneapolis, were flooded with a mix of one- and five-star ratings. Some commentators labelled the hotel's action as "un-American," while others praised it for refusing to accommodate ICE.
The incident also had a minor financial impact, with shares in Hilton Worldwide Holdings falling by approximately 1.5% during afternoon trading on the day the news broke.
