The Department of Homeland Security accused Hilton Hotels on Monday of refusing to accommodate federal immigration enforcement officers, claiming the hotel giant deliberately canceled government bookings in Minneapolis.
"NO ROOM AT THE INN!" DHS posted on X, accusing Hilton of launching a "coordinated campaign in Minneapolis to REFUSE service to DHS law enforcement."
The hotel blocked federal employees who attempted to book rooms using official government email addresses and federal rates, DHS said. The department characterized the cancellations as "malicious" and said they interfered with law enforcement operations.
DHS posted emails reportedly from hotel staff letting officers know they were not welcome at the hotel because of their profession. "After further investigation online, we have found information about immigration work connected with your name and we will be cancelling your upcoming reservation," the email posted by DHS said.
"We have noticed an influx of GOV reservations made today that have been for DHS, and we are not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property. If you are with DHS or immigration, let us know as we will have to cancel your reservation," another email posted by DHS read. "Please pass on this info to your coworkers that we are not allowing any immigration agents to house on our property."
DHS expanded its operations in Minnesota as it investigates the rampant Somali welfare fraud that is roiling the state. Federal investigations into the fraud, which amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars, have already led to 78 indictments. On Monday, Gov. Tim Walz (D.) abandoned his reelection bid following increased scrutiny into the scandal that occurred under his watch.
The controversy comes amid a rise in violence targeting immigration officials. In September, a gunman who engraved the phrase "ANTI ICE" on his shell casings opened fire at a Dallas ICE facility, killing one person. FBI director Kash Patel called it a "politically motivated" attack.
The shooting was the fourth attack on Texas ICE facilities last year. In August, police arrested a man who claimed to have a bomb at the same Dallas office, and in July, a group of assailants shot a local officer in the neck during a coordinated strike on the Prairieland Detention Center near Fort Worth. Days later, a gunman opened fire on a Border Patrol facility in McAllen, injuring two officers and a staffer.
The hotel giant told Fox News that "Hilton Hotels serve as welcoming places for all. This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values. We are investigating this matter with this individual hotel, and can confirm that Hilton works with governments, law enforcement, and community leaders around the world to ensure our properties are open and inviting to everyone."
"This is UNACCEPTABLE," DHS wrote in response to the Hilton cancellations. "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?"
Update Jan 5, 3:14 p.m.: This story has been updated with a comment from Hilton Hotels given to Fox News.
