Trump’s DHS Humiliated as Hilton Cancels ICE Agents’ Room Reservations

The Department of Homeland Security has accused a Hilton hotel in Minneapolis of canceling room reservations for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, sparking a heated public dispute between the Trump administration and the hotel chain.

The incident, which DHS framed as a “coordinated campaign” to refuse service to federal law enforcement, has drawn sharp criticism from the administration while Hilton and the hotel operator insist the actions violated company policy and have since been addressed.

DHS posted a statement on X Monday, January 5, alleging: “Hilton Hotels launched a coordinated campaign in Minneapolis to REFUSE service to DHS law enforcement. When officers attempted to book rooms using official government emails and rates, Hilton Hotels maliciously CANCELLED their reservations.”

The agency questioned the chain’s motives: “This is UNACCEPTABLE. Why is Hilton Hotels siding with murderers and rapists to deliberately undermine and impede DHS law enforcement from their mission to enforce our nation’s immigration laws?”

DHS shared screenshots of alleged emails from hotel management stating the property was “not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay” after noticing an “influx of GOV reservations” for DHS.

Did You Know?: Texas teacher who invited ICE to raid his school because of ‘many students who don’t even speak English’ booted from campus

Hilton and Operator Respond: Isolated Incident, Not Company Policy

A Hilton spokesperson said the hotel is independently owned and operated, emphasizing: “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,” the spokesperson added. “Hilton’s position is clear: Our properties are open to everyone and we do not tolerate any form of discrimination.”

Everpeak Hospitality, the operator, issued a separate statement: “We have moved swiftly to address this matter as it was inconsistent with our policy of being a welcoming place for all. 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. We are committed to welcoming all guests and operating in accordance with brand standards, applicable laws, and our role as a professional hospitality provider.”

The cancellations coincide with a targeted DHS operation against undocumented Somali immigrants in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region, details of which were obtained by The New York Times in December.

DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin told the Times: “What makes someone a target of ICE is not their race or ethnicity, but the fact that they are in the country illegally.”

The operation has drawn community protests and concerns over profiling, with advocates arguing it disproportionately affects Minnesota’s large Somali population.

The incident highlights tensions between federal immigration enforcement and private businesses amid Trump’s aggressive deportation agenda. Hotels have faced similar dilemmas in past operations, balancing legal obligations with community backlash.

DHS’s strong language—”siding with murderers and rapists”—echoes administration rhetoric framing immigration enforcement as public safety. Critics argue it inflames divisions and pressures companies.

Conservative commentators amplified DHS claims, accusing Hilton of anti-law enforcement bias. Progressive voices countered that private businesses can set policies, though discrimination against federal agents raises legal questions.

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No formal investigation or charges have been announced. The episode shows challenges for businesses navigating politically charged federal operations.

As deportation efforts expand, similar conflicts may arise, testing boundaries between private enterprise and government demands. For now, the Minneapolis hotel’s reversal has resolved the immediate bookings—but the broader debate over enforcement tactics and corporate neutrality shows no signs of cooling.