Minnesota hotel loses federal lodging approval after alleged denial of ICE accommodations

LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA: After an alleged refusal to accommodate ICE agents and immigration officers, the General Services Administration announced that it is removing the Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, from its list of approved lodging sites for federal employees.

The decision comes after the Department of Homeland Security and ICE released emails on Monday, January 5, stating that the hotel was 'not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property.'

Hilton property canceled rooms reserved for ICE, GSA says

The hotel had participated in a government lodging partnership called GSA FedRooms, which connects federal employees with approved hotels. The General Services Administration manages and supports the basic operations of federal agencies. President Donald Trump nominated  Edward C Forst to lead the agency, and the Senate confirmed him in mid-December. Forst was sworn in on Christmas Eve.

After the Hampton Inn Lakeville refused rooms to federal agents, the General Services Administration removed the property from all federal lodging programs and travel systems. GSA also ended the hotel’s emergency and long-term lodging agreements.

GSA Administrator Forst told Fox News Digital that the agency acted after learning a local Hilton property had canceled rooms reserved for ICE. He said, "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."

Forst added, "The property has been removed from the programs and booking tools effective immediately. GSA unequivocally supports our federal law enforcement partners."

Hilton cut ties with Minnesota hotel after video shows staff refusing ICE entry

Hilton Hotels removed its brand from the Lakeville hotel Tuesday morning, January 6, after a video surfaced showing staff continuing to refuse accommodations to immigration officers. Hilton took this step even though the hotel had previously apologized and the company had stated that all Hilton properties welcome everyone and do not allow discrimination.

Independent journalist Nick Sortor released the video Tuesday morning. In the video, he attempted to book multiple rooms at the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, Minnesota. A front desk employee told him the hotel was still refusing to accommodate agents from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE.

The employee’s statements directly contradicted a Monday apology from the hotel’s management company, Everpeak Hospitality, which claimed it had resolved the issue and did not discriminate.

Hilton said the independent hotel owner had assured the company that the problem had been fixed and had shared a public message confirming it. However, Hilton said, "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."

The company also said it is working with franchise owners to reinforce its standards and prevent similar issues in the future.

Shortly after releasing its statement, Hilton separated the Lakeville hotel from its network. The Hampton Inn Lakeville no longer appears on Hilton’s website, indicating the brand has officially removed the property.