DHS accuses hotel of 'coordinated campaign' over canceling reservations for immigration agents

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused a Hilton‑branded hotel in Minnesota of canceling reservations for federal immigration law enforcement agents, igniting a political backlash from conservative commentators and supporters.

DHS shared social media screenshots that it said show emails telling federal agents their bookings would not be honored. The hotel involved and Hilton have each responded to the situation.

DHS accusations against Hilton over reservation cancellations

According to the DHS, immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota had their hotel reservations canceled after booking through official government emails and using government rates.

DHS published what it said were redacted screenshots of emails from a Hilton employee stating that the hotel would 'not allow any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property.'

One alleged email told federal agents they would have to cancel their reservations because of an 'influx of GOV reservations' tied to DHS. DHS labeled the actions a 'coordinated campaign' and condemned the cancellations.

Kristi Noem addresses the Conservative Political Action Conference held in the Hyatt Regency on February 27, 2021 in Orlando, Florida (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

In a post on X, the department said, "NO ROOM AT THE INN! @HiltonHotels has launched a coordinated campaign in Minneapolis to REFUSE service to DHS law enforcement." It further claimed, "When officers attempted to book rooms using official government emails and rates, Hilton Hotels maliciously CANCELLED their reservations."

DHS then accused Hilton of 'siding with murderers and ra***ts to deliberately undermine and impede DHS law enforcement.' Hilton spokesperson responded to the controversy by clarifying that the hotel involved the Hampton Inn Lakeville property is independently owned and operated and that the alleged actions were not reflective of Hilton’s corporate values.

The spokesperson assured, "They have taken immediate action to resolve this matter and are contacting impacted guests to ensure they are accommodated." 

Everpeak Hospitality, the company that owns the hotel, issued an apology on their website, stating that the cancellation goes against their policy of being a 'welcoming place for all.'

Hilton cancellation faces conservative backlash

The accusations against Hilton sparked a strong reaction from conservative supporters and right‑wing influencers. Following the DHS announcement, conservative figures on social media called for a boycott of the hotel chain, comparing the situation to previous conservative boycotts of brands such as Bud Light and Target. 

One influencer used platforms like X to criticize Hilton, urging followers to “You all f***ed up! BOYCOTT HILTON HOTELS!” in reaction to the reservation cancellations.

Another commentator criticized the chain, “Hilton Hotels just made the biggest mistake they ever could. Not allowing DHS and ICE agents to stay in their hotels? Did they not see what we did to Bud Light and Target? You guys know what to do."

American far-right activist Laura Loomer posted, "Wow. Looks like I’m going to have to reconsider staying at Hilton Hotels."

Another conservative influencer Paul Szypula added, "Choose patriotism, cancel Hilton"

Corey Inganamort, a conservative radio producer, said he canceled his co-branded Hilton credit card, sharing a screenshot as proof in a post with a caption, "Just canceled my Hilton Honors credit card... BYE!"

Following reports of daycare fraud scandal that the White House says was largely committed by Somali migrants, ICE has increased its presence in Minnesota. According to reports, DHS is in process of sending up to 2,000 agents from ICE and Homeland Security Investigations to carry out fraud and immigration investigations in the Twin Cities area.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.