In a moment that went massively viral, a crane removed the Hampton Inn by Hilton sign from a Lakeville, Minnesota, hotel after it allegedly refused service to ICE and DHS agents, in violation of non-discrimination policies. Leaked emails revealed the hotel’s explicit ban on such agents, prompting the GSA to terminate it from federal lodging programs.
For context, Hilton initially deflected by claiming that the independently owned property had apologized and resolved the issue, but a viral video showed that the denial persisted. In response, Hilton cut ties, emphasizing its welcoming stance for all.
After confirming the cancellation, the hotel at the center of this scandal reiterated that it was “not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property,” according to an email from management posted by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE on social media.
Reacting to the scandal, a Hilton spokesperson issued an official statement. “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.
Continuing to distance the hotel chain from this issue, the spokesperson added. “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.”
Responding to this unfair practice, GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst slammed the hotel. “After I was informed that a local Hilton property canceled rooms reserved for ICE, GSA immediately reviewed the matter and found the hotel to be in clear violation of its government lodging program requirements,” he said.
Building on this point, he made it clear that the hotel would be facing consequences, saying, “The property has been removed from the programs and booking tools effective immediately. GSA unequivocally supports our federal law enforcement partners.”
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Similarly upset, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin asked, “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?”
Referring to the actions taken by the property owners, Hilton Hotels announced that they were taking “immediate action to resolve this matter and are contacting impacted guests to ensure they are accommodated.” Wrapping up its condemnation, Hilton asserted, “A recent video clearly raises concerns that they are not meeting our standards and values. As such, we are taking immediate action to remove this hotel from our systems. Hilton is — and has always been — a welcoming place for all.”
Watch the Hilton get exposed for refusing to serve ICE agents here:
Responding to the statement from Hilton Hotels, McLaughlin stated, “Discriminatory business practices targeting DHS and deliberately undermining federal law enforcement are unAmerican and have real business consequences.”
Before Hilton’s action, conservatives had organized a boycott.”Hilton’s Hampton Inn just canceled reservations for DHS/ICE agents enforcing our laws against illegal immigration and fraud in Minnesota,” a popular post read.
Still not done, the conservative ranted, “This is blatant discrimination against federal law enforcement that panders to the radical left while betraying American security. The next step is clear: Either Hilton condemns this, apologizes, and reverses course in Minnesota or we boycott Hilton Hotels.”