A major hotel chain has found itself at the centre of a political storm in the United States after one of its properties cancelled reservations for federal immigration officers. The incident highlights the deep divisions surrounding US immigration policy.
Reservations Cancelled After Booking
On Monday, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) publicly stated that a Hilton hotel in Minnesota had cancelled reservations made by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The agents had booked rooms using official government email addresses and rates.
The department shared screenshots of email correspondence on social media platform X. In the emails, the hotel's operators explained they had "noticed an influx of GOV reservations made today that have been for DHS" and stated they would not be allowing any ICE agents to stay at the property.
Hilton Distances Itself from Decision
In response, Hilton Worldwide issued a statement seeking to distance the global brand from the actions of a single franchise. A spokesperson emphasised that Hilton hotels aim to "serve as welcoming places for all" and clarified that the hotel in question is independently owned and operated.
The spokesperson stated that the cancellations "are not reflective of Hilton values" and confirmed the company is investigating the matter. They added that Hilton routinely works with governments and law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Broader Context of Tension in Minnesota
The incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened tension in Minnesota. The Trump administration recently deployed additional ICE officers to the state following allegations of fraud involving millions of dollars in federal social service funds, with a focus on the Somali immigrant community.
Immigrant rights advocates have accused the administration of using the fraud investigations as a pretext to target the Somali community more broadly. This has led to protests outside hotels in Minnesota and other states where ICE agents are lodged, with demonstrators attempting to disrupt their sleep and urging hotels to refuse them accommodation.
The specific hotel believed to be involved, located in an outer suburb of Minneapolis, saw its Google reviews flooded with a polarised mix of one- and five-star ratings. Some commentators labelled the hotel "un-American," while others praised its stance.
The controversy also had a minor financial impact, with shares in Hilton Worldwide dipping by 1.5% during afternoon trading on the day the news broke.
