A Minnesota hotel’s decision to ban ICE agents backfired spectacularly when corporate headquarters severed all ties within 24 hours, proving that virtue signaling can come with devastating business consequences.
Story Highlights
- Hampton Inn Lakeville canceled ICE agents’ reservations after researching their government emails and identifying their law enforcement affiliation
- Hotel sent explicit email stating “We are not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property”
- Hilton corporate immediately removed the hotel from its entire system after video evidence contradicted management’s apology
- DHS called the discrimination “malicious” and “unAmerican” while Hilton stock rose following the swift corporate response
The Email That Started Everything
ICE officers booked rooms at Hampton Inn Lakeville on January 2, 2026, using standard government rates and official DHS email addresses. Hotel staff took the unusual step of researching the guests’ names and affiliations before sending a cancellation email that stated they discovered “immigration work connected with your name.” The message made the hotel’s position crystal clear with zero ambiguity.
The Department of Homeland Security immediately took to social media with screenshots of the hotel’s correspondence, calling it a “coordinated campaign” against federal law enforcement. DHS officials didn’t mince words, describing the actions as “malicious” and drawing biblical parallels to the “no room at the inn” story. The timing proved particularly inflammatory given increased ICE operations targeting alleged Somali immigrant fraud in Minnesota.
Corporate Damage Control Goes Wrong
Within hours of the social media firestorm, both Hilton corporate and hotel operator Everpeak Hospitality issued public apologies. They claimed the cancellations were inconsistent with their non-discriminatory policies and promised to accommodate the affected federal agents. Hilton initially distanced itself by emphasizing that Hampton Inn Lakeville was independently operated, not company-owned.
The apologies seemed to calm the situation temporarily, but conservative influencer Nick Sortor decided to test whether the hotel’s change of heart was genuine. His video call to the front desk revealed that despite public statements, staff continued refusing DHS bookings. The contradiction between public apologies and private actions proved fatal for the business relationship.
Swift Justice and Market Response
Hilton’s response to the video evidence was immediate and decisive. The hospitality giant announced it was “taking immediate action to remove this hotel from our systems,” stating that the property failed to meet Hilton’s “standards and values.” This wasn’t a temporary suspension or probationary period but a complete severance of the franchise relationship.
Financial markets rewarded Hilton’s quick action, with company shares rising 2.09% following the announcement. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin praised the corporate response, emphasizing that “discriminatory practices have real business consequences.” The market signal was clear: companies that stand with law enforcement get rewarded, while those that oppose federal agents face immediate backlash.
Sources:
Hilton, Minnesota hotel apologize for email canceling immigration agents’ rooms
Hilton removes Hampton Inn over ICE booking refusal
Hilton says it will drop Minnesota hotel that canceled immigration agents’ rooms
Hilton accused of refusing to let ICE agents stay at hotels, DHS claims
Dept. of Homeland Security accuses hotel of canceling reservations for immigration agents
