Hotel BOOTS ICE Agents—Backlash Erupts

A Minnesota hotel’s decision to cancel ICE agents’ reservations has ignited a firestorm of controversy, bringing national attention to the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement.

Story Highlights

The Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, canceled ICE agents’ reservations, citing their affiliation with immigration enforcement.
The hotel is independently operated but branded under Hilton, which distanced itself and severed ties with the property.
DHS accused the hotel of engaging in a “coordinated campaign” against federal law enforcement.
Public backlash and social media debates highlight the polarization around immigration policies.

Hotel’s Controversial Decision

On January 2, 2026, the Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, canceled reservations for ICE agents after identifying their association with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The hotel, operated by Everpeak Hospitality, used an email affiliated with Hilton to inform the agents of the cancellation, citing an explicit refusal to accommodate immigration enforcement personnel.

This incident occurred amid heightened ICE operations in Minnesota, particularly targeting alleged fraud within Somali immigrant communities. The decision quickly escalated when the DHS labeled the action as “malicious” and part of a “coordinated campaign” against federal law enforcement, sparking outrage across conservative circles.

Hilton’s Response and Subsequent Actions

Following the uproar, Hilton Worldwide Holdings moved swiftly to distance itself from the independently operated Hampton Inn. On January 6, Hilton announced the removal of the hotel from its systems, citing a failure to meet the company’s “standards and values.” The decision came after a video surfaced showing continued refusal of DHS bookings despite prior apologies from Everpeak Hospitality.

Hilton’s actions were seen as a necessary step to maintain its reputation and align with its corporate policy of being “welcoming for all.” The severance indicates a clear message from Hilton to its franchisees about the importance of adhering to brand standards and avoiding politicized incidents that could harm the broader company image.

Impact and Broader Implications

The severance of the Hampton Inn Lakeville from Hilton’s network has both immediate and long-term implications. In the short term, the hotel stands to lose significant revenue due to the loss of a major branding partnership. Boycotts and support campaigns have emerged on social media, further polarizing public opinion.

In the long term, this incident underscores the hospitality industry’s challenges in navigating politically sensitive issues. The swift action from Hilton may set a precedent for other hospitality chains in handling bookings related to government operations. It also highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement in the United States, particularly in areas with sanctuary policies.