Hilton to Remove Lakeville Hotel From Its System After DHS Reservation Controversy
Published: January 6, 2026
LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA — Hilton Hotels has announced it is taking immediate action to remove a Lakeville hotel from its systems following continued concerns tied to allegations that federal immigration and homeland security personnel were denied lodging at the property.
In a statement issued Monday, Hilton Hotels said the independently owned and operated hotel had previously assured corporate leadership that the issue had been resolved and publicly acknowledged. However, Hilton said newly surfaced information prompted further action.
“The independent hotel owner had assured us that they had fixed this problem and published a message confirming this,” a Hilton spokesperson 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.”
Our Original Story: Hotel Management and Hilton Issue Statements After Controversy Over Canceled DHS-ICE Reservations
Background of the Dispute
The controversy began after screenshots of emails circulated online, appearing to show staff at the Hampton Inn Lakeville informing guests that the property would not allow ICE or immigration agents to stay at the hotel and that reservations connected to the Department of Homeland Security would be canceled.
The emails referenced DHS-related government reservations and stated that future bookings associated with immigration enforcement would not be honored. The matter gained national attention after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security publicly accused Hilton of refusing service to DHS law enforcement officers attempting to book rooms using official government credentials and rates.
Earlier Responses From Hilton and Management
Hilton initially emphasized that the Lakeville property is independently owned and that the actions described did not reflect Hilton's values. The company said it was investigating the incident and reaffirmed that its hotels are welcoming to all guests.
The hotel’s management company, Everpeak Hospitality, also issued a statement saying the incident was inconsistent with its policies. Everpeak said it had moved swiftly to address the matter, apologized to impacted guests, and stated it does not discriminate against any individuals or agencies.
Hilton later confirmed it had been in direct contact with the hotel, stating the property had apologized and claimed corrective steps were taken. At that time, Hilton reiterated that it does not tolerate discrimination in any form.
Hilton Takes Escalated Action
In its latest statement, Hilton made clear that the assurances provided by the hotel were no longer sufficient in light of new concerns.
Hilton said the decision to remove the property from its systems reflects a commitment to brand standards and guest inclusivity.
“Hilton is – and has always been – a welcoming place for all,” the spokesperson said.
In addition to removing the Lakeville hotel, Hilton said it is engaging with franchise owners across its system to reinforce expectations and ensure similar incidents do not occur elsewhere.
“We are also engaging with all of our franchisees to reinforce the standards we hold them to across our system to help ensure this does not happen again.”
What Comes Next
Hilton did not specify how long the removal process would take or whether additional enforcement actions could follow. It is also unclear what branding or operational changes may result from the decision at the Lakeville property.
Limitless Media News will continue to monitor this developing situation and provide updates as additional statements or actions are announced by Hilton, the hotel’s ownership group, or federal officials.
