ICE Cancellation Backfires Hard

White immigration enforcement van parked by roadside

A Minnesota Hampton Inn defied federal ICE agents by canceling their bookings, only to lose its Hilton branding and government contracts in a swift corporate purge that exposed the perils of politicized hospitality.

Story Snapshot

Hampton Inn Lakeville canceled ICE/DHS reservations on January 2, 2026, after researching guests’ roles.
DHS exposed the refusal via emails on X, sparking national outrage.
Freelance video on January 5 confirmed ongoing policy despite hotel apology.
Hilton severed ties and removed the hotel from its system on January 6.
GSA delisted the property, barring all federal employees including military.

Hotel Cancels Federal Agents Amid ICE Surge

Hampton Inn Lakeville staff identified ICE and DHS agents through online research on January 2, 2026. They canceled reservations booked with official government emails. The email stated: “We are not allowing any ICE or immigrant agents to stay at our property.” This action occurred during Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge, deploying over 2,100 agents to Minnesota’s Twin Cities targeting immigration fraud in Somali communities. Hotel owner Everpeak Hospitality faced immediate backlash.

Local pressures from anti-ICE protests influenced the decision. Demonstrations targeted hotels housing agents since December 2025. Activists confronted ICE in Cedar-Riverside on December 9. The Lakeville property, a suburb of Minneapolis, joined this pattern by prioritizing community sentiments over federal business.

DHS Ignites Firestorm with Public Exposure

DHS posted the cancellation emails on X on January 5, 2026. They accused Hilton of a “coordinated campaign” to refuse service to law enforcement. Freelance journalist Nick Sortor arrived at the hotel around 11 PM that day. He recorded front desk staff confirming no ICE or DHS guests allowed. Owner remained unreachable. This video contradicted the hotel’s website apology claiming no discrimination.

Bill Ackman defended Hilton on X, emphasizing franchisee independence. DHS framed the incident as un-American, siding with criminals over enforcers. Facts align with conservative values: federal agents deserve equal service without ideological barriers. Common sense demands businesses honor government contracts.

Hilton and GSA Deliver Rapid Reprisal

Hilton issued a statement on January 6 morning apologizing for the incident. They claimed the hotel resolved the issue and contacted affected guests. Sortor’s video disproved this. Hilton then announced immediate removal of the Hampton Inn from its booking system and website. Executives reinforced franchise standards, engaging owners nationwide.

GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst terminated the hotel from the federal lodging program. This barred bookings by 4 million federal employees, including military. GSA cited clear violation of rules supporting law enforcement. Hilton shares rose 2.09% amid public support.

Everpeak Hospitality posted an apology on its site: “We do not discriminate and apologize to those impacted.” Video evidence undermined credibility. De-branding stripped revenue from Hilton reservations and federal contracts. ICE agents redirected to compliant hotels.

Implications Reshape Hospitality Landscape

Short-term losses hit the hotel hard: no Hilton affiliation, no GSA approvals, potential staff layoffs. Long-term, franchisees nationwide scrutinize policies amid ICE operations. Minnesota hotels brace for protests and boycotts. Trump administration strengthens narrative against sanctuary resistance.

Socially, incident polarizes communities. Somali groups face intensified enforcement. Politically, it bolsters federal leverage over private business. Hospitality sector learns: discrimination invites swift delisting. Conservative viewpoint prevails—law enforcement commands respect, not rejection. Facts confirm rapid accountability works.