The administration of former US President Donald Trump launched a sharp attack on Hilton Hotels on Monday, alleging that a property in Minneapolis deliberately canceled reservations for federal law enforcement personnel. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the hotel refused to house agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other DHS components.
DHS Accusation: Hotel Sides with "Murderers and Rapists"
In a strongly worded public statement, the DHS accused Hilton Hotels of running a "coordinated campaign" in Minneapolis to deny service to its officers. The department stated that when agents tried to book rooms using official government emails and negotiated rates, the hotel "maliciously CANCELLED" their reservations. The administration's criticism escalated dramatically with a rhetorical question: "Why is Hilton Hotels siding with murderers and rapists to deliberately undermine and impede DHS law enforcement from their mission to enforce our nation’s immigration laws?"
The Alleged Email and Hotel's Stance
The controversy stems from an email that DHS officials cited, purportedly sent from the hotel's management. The email indicated that the hotel had noticed a surge in reservations from government staff. After online research linked the names to immigration work, the hotel decided to cancel the bookings. The communicated policy was clear: "We are not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property."
The email further instructed the recipient to inform coworkers about the ban, stating, "Please pass on this info to your coworkers that we are not allowing any immigration agents to house on our property." This direct refusal formed the core of the administration's grievance, framing it as an active obstruction of federal law enforcement duties.
Broader Context: Minneapolis Fraud Crackdown and Political Fallout
The incident occurred against a backdrop of heightened federal activity in Minneapolis. The federal government is currently conducting a crackdown on alleged large-scale fraud in the city, having dispatched additional agents for the operation. This environment has intensified the political sensitivity around law enforcement presence and accommodation.
In a related political development on the same day, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he would not seek re-election. While his decision followed allegations of multi-billion dollar fraud schemes within the state's Somali community under his administration, Governor Walz stated his desire to focus on governing without the distractions of an electoral campaign.
The Hilton episode triggered an immediate and significant backlash from supporters of the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement online, who amplified the DHS's accusations and called for a boycott. The situation highlights the deep political and social divisions in the US regarding immigration enforcement, with private businesses occasionally becoming flashpoints in the national debate.
