Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. has ended its relationship with a Minneapolis hotel after the property declined to host agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a decision that also led to the hotel’s removal from a federal lodging program.
The hotel, which operated under the Hilton brand but was independently owned and managed, canceled confirmed reservations and informed ICE personnel that it would not be able to accommodate their stay. In written communication, hotel management cited concerns raised by staff and members of the surrounding community, while apologizing for the inconvenience caused.
Hilton responded by stating that all hotels operating under its brand are required to follow applicable federal laws and company standards. A spokesperson confirmed that the company terminated the franchise agreement, effectively removing the property from Hilton’s reservation network and branding.
At the same time, the General Services Administration took action by removing the hotel from its approved list of federal accommodations. As a result, government employees can no longer book the property using official travel systems or payment methods.
The hotel’s ownership group later issued a public statement expressing regret over how the situation unfolded. They emphasized that the decision was not intended as a political statement and acknowledged that it caused confusion and division. According to the statement, the owners have since reached out directly to the affected ICE agents to apologize.
The incident has reignited discussion across the hospitality industry about the legal responsibilities of hotels, particularly when dealing with government employees. Legal analysts note that public accommodations are generally prohibited from denying service based on a guest’s occupation or affiliation, as such actions may raise discrimination concerns.
While the Minneapolis property continues to operate independently, the case highlights the potential consequences hotels may face when operational decisions conflict with franchise agreements and federal regulations.
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