Photo: iStock Editorial
Conservatives are erupting online after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused Hilton Hotels & Resorts of denying accommodations to federal immigration agents at a Minnesota property.
In a series of posts on X on Monday (January 5), DHS alleged that Hilton engaged in a “coordinated campaign” to cancel hotel reservations made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents near Minneapolis. According to screenshots shared by DHS and ICE, agents attempting to book rooms using government email addresses and special rates were allegedly told the hotel would not allow ICE or immigration personnel to stay on the property.
“We have noticed an influx of government reservations made today that have been for DHS, and we are not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property,” read one alleged internal email included in the post.
The controversy comes as the Trump administration reportedly began deploying thousands of immigration agents to the Minneapolis area. Protests have previously occurred outside hotels believed to be housing ICE personnel.
Hilton pushed back on the allegations, noting that the hotel in question, the Hampton Inn by Hilton Lakeville, is independently owned and operated. The company said its hotels aim to be “welcoming places for all,” and the actions described in the screenshots “are not reflective of Hilton values.” Hilton added that it is investigating the situation with the local operator.
Everpeak Hospitality, which operates the Minnesota hotel, also denied the allegations, saying that refusing to book the federal agents would be inconsistent with company policy.
Despite those statements, the claims ignited fury across the MAGA base. Right-wing influencers and users called for boycotts of the hotel chain, with some comparing the situation to conservative backlash against Bud Light in 2023. One user wrote, “Time to Bud Light Hilton,” while others claimed to be canceling Hilton Honors memberships.
“The biggest mistake they ever could have made,” one user said, while another warned the company it had “fcked up.”
Following the DHS post, Hilton’s stock fell roughly 2 percent, CNBC reports. As of Tuesday (January 6), DHS has not provided additional evidence to support its claim of a coordinated effort.
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