Hotel Management and Hilton Issue Statements After Controversy Over Canceled DHS-ICE Reservations
Published: January 5, 2026 | Last Updated: January 6, 2026 at 9:40 AM.
TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA — A controversy is unfolding in the Twin Cities after emails and social media posts have surfaced alleging that hotel reservations made by federal immigration and homeland security personnel were canceled or denied by a Hilton-branded property in Lakeville, Minnesota.
According to publicly shared screenshots of email correspondence from Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on X on Monday, January 5, 2026, staff at the Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, informed a guest that the hotel was “not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property” and that reservations associated with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be canceled. In the message, the hotel cited an “influx of GOV reservations” linked to DHS and asked recipients to notify colleagues that immigration agents would not be assigned to the location.
In a follow-up email, the sender stated that after “further investigation online,” the hotel had found information linking the guest’s name to immigration work and confirmed the upcoming reservation would be canceled, adding that a formal cancellation notice from Hilton would follow.
Above are the emails shared by the DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on X.
DHS Responds Publicly
The situation escalated after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a strongly worded post on social media, accusing Hilton Hotels of refusing service to DHS law enforcement officers in the Lakeville, Minnesota area, a southern suburb of the Twin Cities, Minnesota.
In the post, DHS alleged that officers attempted to book rooms using official government email addresses and government rates, but their reservations were “maliciously cancelled.” The agency called the alleged actions “unacceptable” and questioned why Hilton would “undermine and impede DHS law enforcement” efforts tied to enforcing federal immigration laws.
The post quickly circulated online, drawing national attention and prompting heated debate over the role of private businesses in relation to federal law enforcement activities.
Updated Statement from Hilton
Following additional developments, Hilton Hotels issued an updated statement further clarifying its position and actions taken in response to the incident.
A Hilton spokesperson said the hotel involved is independently owned and operated and confirmed that corporate leadership has been in direct contact with the property.
"This hotel is independently owned and operated, and these actions were not reflective of Hilton values. We have been in direct contact with the hotel, and they have apologized for the actions of their team, which was not in keeping with their policies. They have taken immediate action to resolve this matter and are contacting impacted guests to ensure they are accommodated.”
Hilton reiterated that it does not tolerate any form of discrimination and emphasized that its properties are designed to be accessible to all guests.
“Hilton’s position is clear: Our properties are open to everyone and we do not tolerate any form of discrimination.”
Hilton also noted that the hotel’s management company has issued its own media statement addressing the incident and outlining steps taken to resolve it. You can find it below.
Everpeak Hospitality Issues Statement
Following the controversy, Everpeak Hospitality, the management company for the Lakeville property, issued a statement acknowledging the incident and outlining corrective measures.
In its remarks, Everpeak Hospitality said it acted quickly upon becoming aware of the situation, but that the actions taken were inconsistent with company policy.
“Everpeak Hospitality has moved swiftly to address this matter as it was inconsistent with our policy of being a welcoming place for all,” the company said. “We are in touch with the impacted guests to ensure they are accommodated. We do not discriminate against any individuals or agencies and apologize to those impacted.”
The company further emphasized its commitment to inclusive hospitality practices and compliance with brand and legal standards.
“We are committed to welcoming all guests and operating in accordance with brand standards, applicable laws, and our role as a professional hospitality provider.”
Everpeak did not specify the internal actions taken, but indicated that guest accommodations were being addressed and that the situation was being managed in line with brand expectations.
Legal and Policy Questions Raised
The incident has raised questions about hotel policies, franchise operations, and the discretion individual properties have in accepting or rejecting guests, including government employees. While hotels are private businesses, many operate under franchise agreements that include brand standards and nondiscrimination policies.
Limitless Media News will continue to follow this developing story and provide any additional updates from Hilton Hotels, the Hampton Inn Lakeville property, or federal officials.
