In January 2026, Hilton and the independently operated Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, faced public backlash after the Department of Homeland Security said immigration-enforcement agents had been denied rooms at the property. DHS posted screenshots of an email from a Hilton-branded address stating that ICE or immigration agents would not be allowed to stay at the hotel and that a reservation would be canceled. DHS accused Hilton of deliberately refusing service to federal law-enforcement personnel. Hilton responded that Hampton Inn locations often operate under franchise or third-party ownership and that the Lakeville property was independently owned and operated, not directly run by Hilton. The local operator, Everpeak Hospitality, apologized and said the cancellation was inconsistent with its policy of welcoming all guests. Hilton first said the hotel had apologized and was working to accommodate the affected guests, but after an additional video appeared to show a hotel employee still saying DHS or ICE personnel were not welcome, Hilton announced it was removing the property from its system. The controversy therefore involved both the initial alleged refusal of service and the adequacy of Hilton’s franchise oversight and corrective action.
“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. 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.”
“This hotel is independently owned and operated, and these actions were not reflective of Hilton values. We have been in direct contact with the hotel, and they have apologized for the actions of their team, which was not in keeping with their policies. They have taken immediate action to resolve this matter and are contacting impacted guests to ensure they are accommodated. Hilton’s position is clear: Our properties are open to everyone and we do not tolerate any form of discrimination.”
Hilton also provided a statement from the hotel’s management company, Everpeak Hospitality:
“Everpeak Hospitality has moved swiftly to address this matter as it was inconsistent with our policy of being a welcoming place for all. We are in touch with the impacted guests to ensure they are accommodated. We do not discriminate against any individuals or agencies and apologize to those impacted. We are committed to welcoming all guests and operating in accordance with brand standards, applicable laws, and our role as a professional hospitality provider.”
Sources
Associated Press, & Raza, S. (2026, January 5). Hilton, Minnesota hotel apologize for email canceling immigration agents’ rooms. WWNY. https://www.wwnytv.com/2026/01/06/hilton-minnesota-hotel-apologize-email-canceling-immigration-agents-rooms/
Lyon, J. (2026, January 6). DHS blasts Hilton after it says ICE agents had reservations canceled. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/dhs-hilton-ice-agents-reservations-canceled-hampton-inn-franchise-2026-1
Sampson, H., & Hiatt, G. (2026, January 6). Hilton says it will oust property that refused hotel rooms to ICE. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2026/01/05/hilton-rooms-ice-minneapolis/
Thompson, H. (2026, January 5). Hilton responds after DHS says ICE agents were denied bookings at MN hotel. Fox 5 Atlanta. https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/dhs-says-minneapolis-hilton-denying-ice-agents-bookings
