The US General Services Administration (GSA) has taken a firm stance by removing a Hampton Inn hotel in Lakeville, Minnesota, from its list of approved lodgings for federal government employees. This decisive action came after the hotel reportedly refused to provide rooms to agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other immigration officers.
Hotel's Refusal and Immediate Fallout
According to emails released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE on Monday, the hotel explicitly stated it was "not permitting any ICE or immigration agents to stay at the property." The incident occurred against the backdrop of increased federal officer presence in the area, following allegations of fraud involving Somali immigrants.
In response, the global hospitality giant Hilton, which franchises the Hampton Inn brand, moved swiftly to distance itself. The company announced on the social media platform X that it was "taking immediate action to remove this hotel from our systems." Hilton emphasized its commitment to being a welcoming place for all.
Public Reaction and Corporate Distancing
The situation ignited a firestorm of mixed reactions online. Some consumers called for a boycott of Hilton, while others pledged their support for the company's stance. This controversy places Hilton among other US companies, like Cracker Barrel, that have faced pressure for actions criticized by the previous Trump administration and its supporters.
The issue was further inflamed when a video surfaced on X on Tuesday, suggesting that ICE agents were still being turned away at the same Hampton Inn in Lakeville. This occurred even after both Hilton and the hotel's independent operator had apologized for the initial incident. Hilton addressed the video, stating, "A recent video clearly raises concerns that they are not meeting our standards and values."
Official Statements and Unanswered Questions
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin welcomed Hilton's corrective move. In a statement on X, she condemned "discriminatory business practices targeting DHS" as "unAmerican" and warned they carry real business consequences. However, McLaughlin also noted that DHS had yet to receive any response from Everpeak Hospitality, the independent operator of the hotel.
The chain of events began when ICE officers made reservations using official government email addresses and negotiated rates. On January 2, a staff member at the Hampton Inn canceled these bookings. An email from the hotel, later posted online by DHS, read, "We are not allowing any ICE or immigrant agents to stay at our property." The situation remains a flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement and corporate responsibility.
