Minneapolis Hilton Hotel Cancels ICE Agents’ Room Reservations, Department of Homeland Security Claims

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is accusing a Hilton-branded hotel in Minnesota of canceling reservations made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, Jan. 5, DHS alleged that the hotel chain “launched a coordinated campaign in Minneapolis” to refuse service to DHS personnel. The agency claimed that when officers tried to book rooms using official government email addresses and government rates, the hotel “cancelled their reservations.”

DHS also shared screenshots of emails it said were sent by hotel management to ICE agents. In the messages, the hotel stated it had “noticed an influx of GOV reservations” tied to DHS and said it would not allow ICE or immigration agents to stay at the property.

In response, a Hilton spokesperson said the specific hotel involved is independently owned and operated, adding that the reported actions did not align with the company’s standards. The spokesperson said Hilton has been in direct contact with the hotel, which has apologized and taken steps to resolve the situation. The spokesperson also said the hotel is contacting affected guests to ensure they are accommodated, and emphasized that Hilton properties are open to all guests and do not tolerate discrimination.

Everpeak Hospitality, the hotel operator, issued a separate statement saying it acted quickly because the situation was inconsistent with its policy of welcoming all guests. The company said it is in contact with those affected to ensure accommodations, and added that it does not discriminate against individuals or agencies. Everpeak also apologized and said it is committed to operating in accordance with brand standards and applicable laws.

The incident comes as the Trump administration has launched an immigration enforcement operation targeting undocumented Somali immigrants in the Minneapolis–St. Paul region, according to The New York Times, which reported it obtained documents about the operation in December.

Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, told the Times in December that ICE targets are not selected based on race or ethnicity, but on whether someone is in the country illegally.