Hilton Cuts Ties With Hampton Inn That Refused To House ICE Agents

Hilton Cuts Ties With Hampton Inn That Refused To House ICE Agents

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Yesterday, I wrote about how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) put Hilton on blast, after at least one Hampton Inn near Minneapolis refused to house Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The hotel reached out to ICE agents with bookings and told them they weren’t welcome at the hotel.

As you’d expect, this drew mixed reactions. So along those lines, there’s a major update, as a lot has happened in the past day…

Hampton Inn at center of ICE controversy gets in trouble

The primary property at the center of this controversy is the Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota. After being put on blast by DHS and ICE, Hilton was forced to take action quickly, though the response was sort of flubbed.

It’s worth noting that the hotel is owned by Everpeak Hospitality, as this property is simply a Hilton franchise location (as is the case for a vast majority of Hilton properties). Within hours of the incident, the company released the following statement, claiming it has already addressed these concerns:

Everpeak Hospitality has 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.

Late last night, a conservative X user with a big following showed up at the hotel that had “apologized” for banning DHS agents, only to find that the hotel was continuing to ban DHS agents. He posted a video of his experience trying to book a room there on the spot, where the front desk agent informed him that they’re not accepting bookings from any ICE agents.

He even read the front desk agent the statement that Everpeak Hospitality published, but that didn’t change anything (in fairness, the guy said he was new, and he couldn’t get in touch with any manager — obviously this guy was just in the wrong place at the wrong time).

https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/2008497245826556404

Following that, it didn’t take long for Hilton to act, as the hotel giant has now confirmed that this property has been removed from its system:

The independent hotel owner had assured us that they had fixed this problem and published a message confirming this. A recent video clearly raises concerns that they are not meeting our standards and values. As such, we are taking immediate action to remove this hotel from our systems. Hilton is — and has always been — a welcoming place for all. We are also engaging with all of our franchisees to reinforce the standards we hold them to across our systems to help ensure this does not happen again.

Hilton ultimately made the right decision here

As you’d expect, the initial concept of the Hampton Inn Lakeville banning ICE agents was controversial, and very polarizing:

  • Some people praised the hotel for taking a stand against ICE, given the organization’s controversial practices
  • Some people attacked the hotel for its lack of patriotism, and for denying service to a paying customer
  • People on both sides used “the gay wedding cake” example, when it comes to denying service

Regardless of how you feel about that topic, I think here’s something most reasonable people should be able to agree on — the company that owns the hotel majorly screwed up the response.

The hotel apologized, claimed it addressed the issues and welcomes all, and said it reached out to impacted guests… only for the front desk agent to not be made aware of that, apparently? That’s a major problem, and incredibly unprofessional.

Given how quickly this became a global news story, you’d think they would’ve put a little more effort into managing this situation, rather than having some new employee being the only person on duty at the property, not even able to get in touch with a manager (though I guess they weren’t expecting someone to show up at the property and film in this way?).

I’d be fascinated to know what the real backstory here is. Did the company that owns the hotel set the policy of not welcoming ICE agents, did the general manager or front office manager set the policy, or what?

One thing is for sure — companies don’t want to get on Trump’s bad side, given how he likes to treat his “allies” nicely, and punish companies and people that don’t do what he wants. So I think Hilton hade no choice here, given the abysmal response.

Bottom line

Hilton made global headlines after a Hampton Inn in Minnesota canceled the reservations of ICE agents, and said they weren’t welcome there. This was a franchise property, and the owners claimed that they welcome all, and that they would correct this immediately.

However, someone showed up at the property the night of the incident, only to find the policy still in place. As you’d expect, this put Hilton in a really tough spot, and Hilton cut ties with the hotel, and promised to clarify its policy on this with all individual hotels.

There’s no denying that Hilton acted swiftly here, as the Hampton Inn was deflagged less than 24 hours after this controversy arose.

What do you make of Hilton’s handling of this situation?

Conversations (172)
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  1. JeffP Guest

    Woke Commie Dem logic

    Supporting Illegal Law Breakers is Constitutional

    Ice Arresting them is Not.

    The hypocrisy is delusional.

  2. Komma Guest

    The same people "they can do what they want" would be livid if the same principle applied elsewhere such as refusing to accommodate people visiting a pride event or a black performer in town etc. If the agents were misusing the hotel and bringing detainee's there or something, then absolutely I could understand kicking them out. Refusing to allow accommodations based on your email address/who you work for sets a bad precedent for other groups...

    The same people "they can do what they want" would be livid if the same principle applied elsewhere such as refusing to accommodate people visiting a pride event or a black performer in town etc. If the agents were misusing the hotel and bringing detainee's there or something, then absolutely I could understand kicking them out. Refusing to allow accommodations based on your email address/who you work for sets a bad precedent for other groups of people whom you may actually support and would definitely be livid about.

  3. Jj Guest

    this comment section is such a surreal mix of ppl complaining about human rights abuses and ppl complaining about not having their elite status recognized.

    1. 1990 Guest

      Isn’t denying someone their free ‘hot breakfast’ the real human rights abuse? /s

  4. Grzegorz Guest

    Finally, a corporation doing the right thing. When you mock people who arrest criminals - and illegal immigrants are just that, criminals, some of the worst there are (since they break the social contract, unlike a, for example, fraudster who very often is just a clever guy) - you're akin to one yourself.

    1. 1990 Guest

      Nah, ICE agents are exceeding their authority, harming Americans, and denying people due process. The disruption these agents were causing for other guests was reason enough to deny them service. ICE isn't a protected class (they aren't a 'race'). And Hilton corporate can choose to breach contract, too. I guess we can wait for the courts sort out who owes who what now.

    1. AdamS Guest

      God bless ICE.
      They are cleaning up.

  5. LastOneOutTurnOffTheLights Guest

    Compliance in advance. It’s the corporate way in the USA …. Evidently

  6. Mantis Diamond

    The cake shop is not a good analogy. They did not deny service. They refused to engage in compelled speech, a violation of their 1A rights. They offered to sell them cakes, but did not want to decorate them as requested.

    Second, Hilton obviously has government contracts. They violated those contracts.

    Third, name one American citizen deported. Just one. Didn't happen. Those deported are here illegally, and the ones they are targeting also have criminal...

    The cake shop is not a good analogy. They did not deny service. They refused to engage in compelled speech, a violation of their 1A rights. They offered to sell them cakes, but did not want to decorate them as requested.

    Second, Hilton obviously has government contracts. They violated those contracts.

    Third, name one American citizen deported. Just one. Didn't happen. Those deported are here illegally, and the ones they are targeting also have criminal records, though that's not a requirement to be deported if you're here illegally. If they had their visas revoked (as is our right), they are to be deported. Every country does this. However, not every country allows 20M illegals in to freeload, scam, or commit violet crime, in order to try to convert them to voters and remain in power. That's what happened and you know it.

    Fourth, you libs keep crying about the constitution. Please explain how exactly enforcing existing law is unconstitutional. What is unconstitutional? I don't think you actually know, you just repeat it over and over.

    1. 1990 Guest

      No, the right to free speech doesn’t magically create the right discriminate against gay.

      Separately, ICE agents aren’t a protected class. The hotel doesn’t have to do business with them. And Hilton doesn’t have to do business with that particular hotel either. So, here we are.

      The cake case was wrongly decided; as are many cases by this illegitimate supreme court, especially the ones overturning Roe, Citizens United, and giving Trump unlimited power...

      No, the right to free speech doesn’t magically create the right discriminate against gay.

      Separately, ICE agents aren’t a protected class. The hotel doesn’t have to do business with them. And Hilton doesn’t have to do business with that particular hotel either. So, here we are.

      The cake case was wrongly decided; as are many cases by this illegitimate supreme court, especially the ones overturning Roe, Citizens United, and giving Trump unlimited power to do crimes. Future generations will have to work hard to correct these injustices.

  7. Nino69 Guest

    So, it’s okay for a bakery or a florist to say “I’m not doing ANYTHING for a same sex marriage!!” And these same folks take their cases all the way to the SCOTUS where they are revered that they stood up to “those people.” Now, you have a Hilton franchise owner being punished because they refused to serve a government agency conducting a tyrannical program. Hmmm, I thought that since the florist or the bakery...

    So, it’s okay for a bakery or a florist to say “I’m not doing ANYTHING for a same sex marriage!!” And these same folks take their cases all the way to the SCOTUS where they are revered that they stood up to “those people.” Now, you have a Hilton franchise owner being punished because they refused to serve a government agency conducting a tyrannical program. Hmmm, I thought that since the florist or the bakery would have set a precedent on not being “forced” to serve something or someone you disagree with this stance by the Hilton franchisee. Alas, corporate America bends and buckles to safe face and kick up to the wannabe dictator.

    Look out Hilton, that benefit I received from my Amex Platinum will now collect dust. Enjoy your aiding those conducting unconscionable actions people trying to build a better life for themselves.

    1. Tony Guest

      Yes, you should definitely take your business to Marriott since they are so much better.

    2. 1990 Guest

      Tony, let's get real, regardless of politics, comparing Hilton to Marriott is like Coke v. Pepsi. It's all carbonated sugar water at the end of the day. These are multi-national corporations, who are primarily there to make money, not pick sides in a partisan culture war. That said, I still like Coke, and plan to keep my Aspire, Brilliant, Hyatt, and IHG Premier cards, use the credits, and make sure that I at least 'break-even' each year. You do you.

  8. Davisson Guest

    Look how divided America is… this is why happens when great nations are in a fall… abeit a slow one. It’s only going to get worse.

    1. Herb_Repozo Member

      It only happens because the divide is across intellectual and principled lines. Those clinging to power and crowing about their power have no real appreciation or understanding of America’s strengths… as the Founders meant.

      Instead they are just about “‘Murica” and they’re “Freedums”. Ther have not one sympathetic bone in their bodies, much less any empathic ones. Their rallying cry is one of selfishness, racism, bigotry and hatred.

      It’s the only way they know...

      It only happens because the divide is across intellectual and principled lines. Those clinging to power and crowing about their power have no real appreciation or understanding of America’s strengths… as the Founders meant.

      Instead they are just about “‘Murica” and they’re “Freedums”. Ther have not one sympathetic bone in their bodies, much less any empathic ones. Their rallying cry is one of selfishness, racism, bigotry and hatred.

      It’s the only way they know how to win.

    2. 1990 Guest

      Well said, Herb.

      Davisson seems to relish in our troubles. I wouldn't bet against the American people. We're going through a rough patch, but we'll get through this. It'll take a lot of work.

  9. Dwondermeant Guest

    They dont even welcome or want HH guests as they have to issue them points and breakfast
    What do you expect of them to welcome them as guests ?

  10. Creditian Guest

    Property owner can be a tough guy until big corporate throw them under the bus.

    1. 1990 Guest

      Worded differently: Brave individuals can and should stand up for what’s right, and they’ll pay a price to do so, like losing their franchise, when big money does the wrong thing and appeases fascists.

  11. Zeek Guest

    So Everpeak folded. Bent the knee. Forgot to tell the front office staff. And now got delisted from Hilton. Karma is a bitch. Should've stayed strong.

    1. 1990 Guest

      Agreed. Costco stayed strong (still proudly promotes their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies). Target swayed with the wind (removed theirs, tries to appease). We can see through that; we can also vote with our wallets.

  12. landor Guest

    lol good on hilton, and shame on you doomers who use your ignorant holocaust victim line as an excuse to protect rapists and murderers and launderers in the same breath.

  13. John Guest

    Good! Businesses should only be in the business of making money. If you want to preach then go sell overpriced, overrated ice cream, like Ben & Jerrys.

    1. Jj Guest

      I hear there's a lot of money to be made in the world of kiddie porn.

      profit maximization needs to be tempered by both law and decency.

  14. Bob Guest

    Lots of small business owners have guts. Corporations and Ceos on the other hand gutless cowards hiding behind their mother's skirt.

    Actually that Hampton inn could have just said the agents demanded free breakfast and hilton would have overlooked it.

    1. VladG Diamond

      Protecting illegal invaders and denying service to government agents redressing said invasion is not courage, it's treason.

    2. glenn t Diamond

      hmm.... you sound like a Russian bot, 'VladG'.

  15. Tim Guest

    There are still many people in our country who have the courage to stand up to injustice and a government that has abandoned our Constitution. Shame of Hilton, and power and respect to anyone who has the type of courage that the desk clerk showed.

    1. VladG Diamond

      Interesting how you care about the government "abandoning the Constitution" but not about abandoning the borders, the first prerequisite of even having a country.

  16. This comes to mind Guest

    Here's what I find funny. The very people who thinks it's OK to ban people based on their job, seem to be the very people who would yell the loudest if a Muslim, POC, or LGBT+ person was denied accommodation. I'm not taking a stance. But, I look for consistency. BTW, if you're trying for the go to "but what about LGBT+ wedding cakes" argument, sorry you need to reconsider. Because, if you make the...

    Here's what I find funny. The very people who thinks it's OK to ban people based on their job, seem to be the very people who would yell the loudest if a Muslim, POC, or LGBT+ person was denied accommodation. I'm not taking a stance. But, I look for consistency. BTW, if you're trying for the go to "but what about LGBT+ wedding cakes" argument, sorry you need to reconsider. Because, if you make the argument that is a precedent here, then denying accommodation to an LGBT+ person would then be legal (and, fortunately, it is not).

  17. Darryl Macklem Guest

    PRIVATE COMPANY. They can do what they want!

    1. 1990 Guest

      Which one? Earlier you were demanding the franchise not do what they want; now, Hilton cracks down on them, and so, Hilton can do what it wants? Huh… seems contradictory.

    2. Darryl Macklem Guest

      I was employing a euphemism earlier. But yes, there are many great people on both sides. Tough one to manage.

    3. 1990 Guest

      Did you mean ‘very fine people, both sides’? *facepalm*

      Why not throw-in a s-hole countries or a covfefe, just for fun… *sigh*

    4. Darryl Macklem Guest

      Huh? What the hell are you on about?

  18. David Shipman Guest

    Hilton sucks anyway.

    My favorites are
    1) Hyatt
    2) Marriott
    3) IHG

    I am lifetime Diamond with Hilton. Had a problem at one of their properties. Contacted them with my concern and they never responded. I haven’t stayed with a Hilton property since.

  19. Walter Barry Guest

    Maga wins again.
    You can't defeat the majority.

  20. Baliken Guest

    The only issue is whether the hotel followed Hilton’s policies and their franchise agreement. If they did not then terminating the franchise is the correct move.

  21. AdamS Guest

    Good.
    ICE are heros and anyone who hates them hates America and supports human trafficking and illegal invasions.

  22. BradStPete Diamond

    I praise the hotel. It should NOT be acceptable in anyway shape or form that masked men (and they are men) without identification can snatch people off the streets, from their homes, shops, parks and even church's and disappear them. This is tyranny and we have got to stop this.
    Hilton did not cooperate with the trump regime in the first regime by refusing to house separated families etc.
    They shouldn't now.

    1. Jose Guest

      Actually. ICE agents are not only men, but there are plenty of women. Federal government is the leader and trendsetter in employing women and minorities.

    2. David Guest

      They are here illegally - completely fair to remove them from the country. What do you not understand about illegal immigrants?

  23. Naim Said Guest

    That property will probably revert back to being Motel 8, and will start renting to hookers and human traffickers. How much is a short stay there anyway?

  24. omarsidd Diamond

    That's unfortunate. Hosting brutal fascist secret police is not something any of us should do (and ICE revel in their brutality, there's a million videos out there documenting this). They should be excluded from everywhere except the future tribunals that will judge them.

    1. 1990 Guest

      But, but…‘just following orders’ /s

    2. David Guest

      But...but...they are here illegally! Dont come here illegally and you dont have to worry about it.

    3. Jj Guest

      But…but ppl with legal status have been illegally detained and deported. And people who entered legally with a path to permanent residency have had their visas revoked arbitrarily and without warning.

      Point is, it’s a lot more complicated than saying “just don’t come illegally” and it’s either disingenuous or absurdly ignorant/uninformed to claim otherwise. Which one are you?

    4. 1990 Guest

      I like big ‘but’s and I cannot lie…

  25. Andrew Diamond

    I agree with jojo - the real news is that a superchain can actually do something when it disagrees with a hotel's operational policy.

  26. jojo Guest

    wait....so corporate mgt can regulate franchisees...NOW THAT IS NEWS! Pay attention marriott.

  27. DavidW Guest

    Let me start by saying I hate Trump et al. They trample the Constitution while claiming to love it.

    However, if you hate discrimination, as I do, keep in mind it goes both ways. Discrimination against ICE is akin to discrimination against anyone else, Black Lives Matter for example. How would you feel if there was a BLM event in a town/city and a hotel discriminated against the participants?

    1. All Due Respect Guest

      I’m fine with discriminating against agents of the powerful who prey on the powerless

    2. 1990 Guest

      So, DavidW says he's no fan of Trump, then compares apples and oranges with BLM (decentralized political and social movement) and ICE (an actual government entity abusing its power and harming Americans). I'm not buying it DavidW...

    3. Not 1990 Guest

      I agree with DavidW and I also hate Trump. But laws are laws and rules are rules. That's exactly why folks like ACLU represent both sides of the political spectrum. The problem with left wingers like you, 1990 is that just like the right wingers, you don't care about laws or order - anything goes as long as it fits your personal agenda.
      I always like to ask - what is the difference between...

      I agree with DavidW and I also hate Trump. But laws are laws and rules are rules. That's exactly why folks like ACLU represent both sides of the political spectrum. The problem with left wingers like you, 1990 is that just like the right wingers, you don't care about laws or order - anything goes as long as it fits your personal agenda.
      I always like to ask - what is the difference between a Nazi and a Socialist? It's just one word - "National". To me - they are two sides of the same (evil) coin.

    4. Jeff Guest

      I completely agree with the statement that Nazis and socialists are very similar. The original full name of German Nazi party was German national socialist workers party, NSDAP. Exactly same ledt wing ideology.

    5. 1990 Guest

      Ridin’ on my coattails ‘Not 1990’… psh.

      That’s an oversimplification of socialism and Nazis. You know what’s socialist? Public schools and roads and fire departments and the military. The issue with 1930s Germany was the dictatorship and its genocide. Dictatorships tend to be the problem, because they are inherently un-democratic and often corrupt. Stalin, Mao, etc. no bueno, regardless of underlying ideology. I’d argue we got real problems with our own oligarchs and rising authoritarianism...

      Ridin’ on my coattails ‘Not 1990’… psh.

      That’s an oversimplification of socialism and Nazis. You know what’s socialist? Public schools and roads and fire departments and the military. The issue with 1930s Germany was the dictatorship and its genocide. Dictatorships tend to be the problem, because they are inherently un-democratic and often corrupt. Stalin, Mao, etc. no bueno, regardless of underlying ideology. I’d argue we got real problems with our own oligarchs and rising authoritarianism here today. Clearly, if you prefer their views, you won’t mind, until you’re inevitably part of the ‘out’ group. Don’t worry, the leopards won’t eat your face… you’re one of the good ones!

    6. Not 1990 Guest

      You need a good middle ground. The Germans used to call it "social market capitalism" but that's long gone now too. It worked in the 70s and 80s.
      Going too far in either extreme socialism or extreme capitalism usually ends bad.

    7. 1990 Guest

      Not 1990, what’r you even pitching? Economic theory? I’ll take some neo-Brandeis if that’s on the menu, please.

    8. Jj Guest

      ugh. please don't give them ideas or we're gonna end up back with private firefighter services (again).

    9. Moe Guest

      Two lies in one statement.
      1, BLM has been shown to be a bunch of independent scams, often paying for luxury goods and homes.
      2, ICE is not abusing its power and definitely is not harming AMERICANS.

    10. Jj Guest

      tell that to the American citizens who have been deported and or detained.

    11. 1990 Guest

      Moe, no, black lives matter is not a scam; it’s an idea that black people shouldn’t be extrajudicially killed by law enforcement officers exceeding their authority.

      And, ICE under this administration absolutely is breaking the law, not affording people in this country their constitutionally protected right to due process, and often using excessive force, including against American citizens. That’s a real problem, and there will be accountability someday, hopefully soon.

      Moe, no, black lives matter is not a scam; it’s an idea that black people shouldn’t be extrajudicially killed by law enforcement officers exceeding their authority.

      And, ICE under this administration absolutely is breaking the law, not affording people in this country their constitutionally protected right to due process, and often using excessive force, including against American citizens. That’s a real problem, and there will be accountability someday, hopefully soon.

    12. Jj Guest

      Yup. And people either don't realize or pretend to not understand there's a big different between being a minority/protected class and holding a minority viewpoint. You can't (legally) discriminate because you don't like their skin color or sexual orientation (etc etc). That's outside of a person's control.

      Political philosophy is not. And, if yours is predicated on hurting people (or whatever other repugnant goal), you do not require or deserve the same protections. (and...

      Yup. And people either don't realize or pretend to not understand there's a big different between being a minority/protected class and holding a minority viewpoint. You can't (legally) discriminate because you don't like their skin color or sexual orientation (etc etc). That's outside of a person's control.

      Political philosophy is not. And, if yours is predicated on hurting people (or whatever other repugnant goal), you do not require or deserve the same protections. (and it goes both ways. Vegetarians don't get to claim they are a minority group and must be accommodated. They can vote with their wallets and businesses can choose what they want to do).

      One final difference: I don't see an equivalent on the left of ppl claiming they've had their rights violated b/c Burger King discontinued the Impossible Burger (or whatever). No serious person thinks they have a legal obligation to sell one.

    13. Mike P Guest

      "You can't (legally) discriminate because you don't like their skin color or sexual orientation (etc etc)."

      Even though you should be able to exercise that right.

    14. 1990 Guest

      Mike, we each have personal biases and preferences; however, in the course of business, and especially if it’s the government entity or agent, it’s still illegal to discriminate based on those protected classes (race, etc.), so there is not ‘right’ to discriminate. Let’s be clear.

    15. eddy Guest

      "pushing little children with their fully automatics, they like to push the weak around" -System of A Down

    16. AdamS Guest

      @All Due Respect
      They are law enforcement deporting illegal invaders.
      They are justified.

    17. This comes to mind Guest

      Because we should make you the supreme arbitrater of who can and can't be subject to discrimination? Do I get a choice on who has that job?

    18. 1990 Guest

      Illegitimate 6-3 court says… this particular President gets to decide… voters, people, and good sense, be damned!

  28. Callie Guest

    TBH, hotel could easily have been worried ICE would start with the hotel’s own workforce. It is asking a bit much to house them under those circumstances.

    1. Jj Guest

      That is a really interesting point I had not considered. And, also, it's not like they could ever come out and say "we denied ICE service in order to protect our undocumented labor force." (whether that be on moral grounds or the desire to be able to function as a hotel).

    2. chasgoose Guest

      I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s why the ICE thugs chose to book there in the first place…

    3. VladG Diamond

      Apparently asking a hotel to respect the law is considered "a bit much" in 2026. How the mighty have fallen.

    4. Dusty Guest

      @VladG
      Not like ICE doesn't have a reputation for interrogating the housekeeping staff at the hotels they stay at or anything, no not at all. If I ran a hotel I wouldn't want guests known for harassing staff either.

  29. All Due Respect Guest

    Drumpfers are the biggest snowflakes on earth. Whine whine whine. Oh, they hurt your poor whittle feelings you sensitive little right wingers?

  30. Endre Guest

    The tears of the left taste delicious! FAFO,

    1. rtp Guest

      Remember that time the right got butthurt because they could discriminate against the couple wanting a wedding cake?

    2. AdamS Guest

      @rtp
      and the right won in the end as it did in this case.
      the left lose because they are an ideology of losers.

    3. All Due Respect Guest

      Good lord you Drumpfers are weird

  31. Emil Guest

    It really depends on how the operating company operates, I'm part of a group that operates 6 hotels for a major chain, and at least when it comes to contracts/groups that want to stay at our hotel, we leave it up to the decision of the manager to say yes or no, if they say no, they have to tell us first and give us the owners of the company to make the final decision....

    It really depends on how the operating company operates, I'm part of a group that operates 6 hotels for a major chain, and at least when it comes to contracts/groups that want to stay at our hotel, we leave it up to the decision of the manager to say yes or no, if they say no, they have to tell us first and give us the owners of the company to make the final decision. So for bigger operating groups, I'd have to assume it it could've gone either way.

    I don't fully agree with what ICE does, but at the end of the day you are representing an international chain of hotels, so any decision you make will affect not just your property, but the brand as a whole.

  32. Don Taylor Guest

    We have stayed at Hampton Inn and enjoyed our stay. However, there are other hotels just as good! Glad hilton did what they did. How would democrats like being ostracized?

    1. 1990 Guest

      Democrats (members of the US political party), or small-d ‘democrats’ as-in those who support ‘democracy’? Oh, wait, neither really matters for this, but, I’d imagine both would be appalled at how corporations have enabled such abuses of law and power that have worsened over the past decade…

  33. TrumpGambit Member

    I fully support ICE in their fight against Somalis currently residing in America.

    1. P.Niss Guest

      Somalia is a hot place. Why Somalis go to cold place? P.Niss confuse.

  34. AmericaFirst Guest

    Lmaooo they should cover their sign with Quality Learing Center signs

  35. weekendsurfer Member

    I could understand if housing ICE and DHS employees cause protestors to make a ruckus affecting the sleep and overall experience of non-ICE and DHS guests. Is that no a valid reason to deny? Unless protestors were not showing up and it was a made-up reason.

    1. Jj Guest

      That's a slippery slope. What if protestors turn out to an LGBTQ nonprofit running a conference at a hotel? While I have no love for ICE, I worry about saying "you can't stay here b/c other ppl will cause trouble."

    2. joey Guest

      the difference is a hotel accepts the nonprofit running a conference's contract based on supporting documentation.And you can even ask them to leave without likely recourse. But the govt saying "give us accommodations...or else" is something totally different, especially when the govt agency is doing possible illegal activities.

    3. Zeek Guest

      The slippery slope argument is not valid when you're housing literal gestapo. Full stop. Law enforcement not identifying themselves many times arresting/detaining people with no warrant, based purely on their demographic/location/skin color/etc.

      I'm not aware of a gay convention where the gays go out the next day and commit violence.

      They should be ashamed of themselves.

    4. eaci Guest

      I could see this being a valid reason if:

      1. It didn't violate a contract between Hilton and the US government (which I expect it does) AND

      2. It was the reason stated (it objectively wasn't) AND

      3. It was reactive rather than proactive (no ability for me to assess from a different state).

  36. Nathaniel Guest

    Guess I'll be keeping my Diamond status. Thank you.

    1. 1990 Guest

      Hilton still supports DEI: jobs.hilton.com/diversity

      "We are an inclusive workforce that fully represents all ages, genders, sexual orientation, nationalities, ethnicities, disabilities, military and veteran status, cultures and viewpoints."

      Uh oh... for your status!

    2. Nathaniel Guest

      comment police here! get a life

    3. Comment Police Guest

      *weewoo*

      “COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP!!”

      *shots fired*

  37. Jannie jacobson Guest

    99.9% of people do not realize that branded hotels are no owned by the hotel chain.
    The hotel chains want people to think the individual hotels are own by them. That is why people book these branded hotels.
    That is why this controversy is wacked out of its mind.

  38. Ross Guest

    It will be back as a Hampton in a couple months, and people will have moved on to the next crisis. Maybe a change in ownership will be required. Meanwhile, does Hilton set the government discount rates? They could have just raised those until the place was taken off the GSA map.

  39. Mitch Guest

    Oh, thank god.

    I had read that cancel culture was dead in America now that Republicans are in power.

    Glad to see conservatives are not letting a good thing die /s

    1. 1990 Guest

      Comedy is sooo back…

      (As long as you don’t dare make fun of our Dear Leader!!)

  40. George Romey Guest

    FAFO. Government contracts are BIG business for hotel chains. No surprise here.

    1. 1990 Guest

      You sure show’d them, George! Take that Hampton Inn in Lakeview! Enjoy your free advertising!

    2. George Romey Guest

      @1990 You're not smart enough to know this hotel franchisee just lost his/her franchisee. It means effectively their business is out of business. They can try to survive as a lone independent chain. See how that works out. Are you really that clueless of how the real world works?

    3. chasgoose Guest

      I’m sure the parent company of the franchisee can just get another company they franchise from to brand it. It’s not like anyone is going to remember a random Hampton Inn in some random MN location. Some other brand will be happy to take it over at a discount.

    4. Nathaniel Guest

      Lmao bro 1990 youre taking L after L go ahead and log off for me

  41. Adolph Guest

    So if I declared myself a Nazi and tried to check in at a held property, I should be welcome, right? I’m sure Ben would be in support of that.

    1. 1990 Guest

      Apparently, yes. USA! USA! USA! /s

  42. UncleRonnie Diamond

    Can OMAAT remove 1990’s franchise please? Just to give everyone else a rest….

    1. George Romey Guest

      Please not. He's a walking comedy of someone that thinks virtue signaling is actual fairness and justice for all.

    2. Nathaniel Guest

      bro is really on here 24/7, insta-responded to my comment lmao thats kinda crazy

    3. 1990 Guest

      Sorry, late to this one. Oh no…

    4. MIA FLYER Guest

      Yes! lol 1990 is really bugged about this article and the previous. He’s replied to almost every single comment hahaha

    5. 1990 Guest

      What took you so long MIA? You’re welcome to comment as much as you’d like on here. Great ‘engagement’ for the site. Support the community!

  43. Connor Guest

    Funny, so we learned that there IS a way to get deflagged from the major American hotel chains after all. Maybe I should start showing up and declaring myself an ICE agent next time I want my elite benefits actually honored.

  44. Marc Guest

    At least that front desk agent and the rest of the staff at the Hampton Inn will be able to sleep at night.

  45. Jeffrey A Brune Guest

    The people bold enough to stand up to Nazi fascism in the 1930s did not profit, but they are the ones we celebrate today. We condemn those who buckled under the pressure fascist regimes apply.

    1. 1990 Guest

      Jeffrey gets it. Thank you, sir.

      Also, why is Hugo Boss and the rest still around? Like, c’mon.

  46. Alonzo Diamond

    Yikes, that escalated quickly.

    I wonder what's next with removing branding and support from the hotel. I can't imagine that it transitions from a Hampton property to something else overnight. The hotels ownership group has to be scrambling right now from getting kicked in the teeth.

    1. Jj Guest

      And, also, time is of the essence. As we speak reporters are descending on Lakeville and I'm sure Hilton is desperate to cover up the signage as soon as possible.

  47. Craig Guest

    According to google, it's booked out every day but one for the next 2 weeks and charging more than other hotels around it after that. So it certainly doesn't seem to be doing them any harm.

    1. NedsKid Diamond

      That's what it looks like when they've zeroed out inventory.

  48. NedsKid Diamond

    It's not about ICE in the end though that was the test case. The franchised hotel's local employees didn't follow policy. The franchisee re-asserted the policy to not cancel the rooms. Hilton, exercising its right through the franchise agreement which says they have to follow Hilton policies, clarified its policy. The hotel then continued to do what it wanted. So it got de-flagged.

    It's like the last episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Larry David...

    It's not about ICE in the end though that was the test case. The franchised hotel's local employees didn't follow policy. The franchisee re-asserted the policy to not cancel the rooms. Hilton, exercising its right through the franchise agreement which says they have to follow Hilton policies, clarified its policy. The hotel then continued to do what it wanted. So it got de-flagged.

    It's like the last episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Larry David is on trial for giving a bottle of water to Auntie Rae while she was waiting in line to vote. That was illegal. Regardless of what you feel about the law, as the prosecutor said, the law is the law. Take out what you feel about Larry as a person/character - that's the rule. Don't agree with it? Get it changed. But just as a private company could deny ICE if Hilton said so, they can also de-flag a hotel that doesn't follow its instructions.

    The idiot of this all is the franchise owner. Someone from that management company should have been sitting in that lobby from the moment they found out about this from DHS (and the property failed to tell them).

    1. All Due Respect Guest

      You sound like a terrible dinner party guest “NedsKid”

  49. Voian Guest

    Now, what about that IHG hotel that didn’t want to accept people living within a 50 mile radius? Also leaving the chain…?

  50. SteveK Guest

    Unique insight here…retired ICE/HSI and gay. Hilton did right thing. One set of illegal or moral actions should not turn into another.

    1. S. Miller Guest

      Thanks for your service, patriot. See you in Greenland!

  51. Jj Guest

    Oy. They’ve managed to make EVERYONE mad at them.

    Logistics question: what actually happens when a hotel gets de-listed? Does a crew come and tear down the sign the next day? It’s got to take a lot of time to “un-Hampton” the whole property. Can the hotel still operate or do they have to cease operations until all the branding is gone?

    1. 1990 Guest

      All attention is good attention. When had you ever heard of the Hampton Inn in Lakeville before?

    2. Jj Guest

      Yeah the problem with that logic is that as of today there no longer is a Hampton Inn Lakeville.

    3. 1990 Guest

      Jj, oh no… now where will folks stay when they visit… Lakeville…

    4. Jj Guest

      I'm not sure I follow. Maybe I wasn't clear: the hotel will have to rebrand as something else. People would have to go out of their way to figure out which hotel used to be the Hampton Inn. I don't know what happens in Lakeview but I know they don't build hotels in places where there isn't demand.

      I guess, among those who support the hotel's initial stance, there might be some added esteem...

      I'm not sure I follow. Maybe I wasn't clear: the hotel will have to rebrand as something else. People would have to go out of their way to figure out which hotel used to be the Hampton Inn. I don't know what happens in Lakeview but I know they don't build hotels in places where there isn't demand.

      I guess, among those who support the hotel's initial stance, there might be some added esteem for the Hilton Brand since most people don't know/care how hotel brands are franchised. And, of course, the same will be true for those who oppose it.

    5. 1990 Guest

      Jj, all of this is culture-war nonsense; in a week, there'll be a new outrage, and everyone will have moved on from this property and Hilton. Maybe, a few folks will change their bookings, but probably not. If you 'want' to stay at a Waldorf, you're gonna go there. If you didn't to begin with, you're gonna avoid it. Often, it comes down to location, price, availability, etc.

    6. Jj Guest

      I mostly agree. If everyone who had ever said “I’m never going to fly United/delta/etc ever again if you don’t refund my whatever” actually followed through, planes would be empty.

      But I added “mostly” bc I’m thinking of the whole bud lite thing from a while back. For whatever reason that blew up and caused massive and permanent damage to the brand. I don’t think it matters to an individual operator, however I can...

      I mostly agree. If everyone who had ever said “I’m never going to fly United/delta/etc ever again if you don’t refund my whatever” actually followed through, planes would be empty.

      But I added “mostly” bc I’m thinking of the whole bud lite thing from a while back. For whatever reason that blew up and caused massive and permanent damage to the brand. I don’t think it matters to an individual operator, however I can see Hilton execs being terrified that the same thing will happen to them.

  52. Harold Guest

    saying this: "Hilton is — and has always been — a welcoming place for all"

    and then defending ICE agents is peak irony LOL

    1. Jj Guest

      Yeah I was thinking that. Must feel *super welcoming* to anyone with pigmented skin standing in the breakfast buffet line with a bunch of uniformed ICE agents.

    2. Not 1990 Guest

      Given that over 50% of border agents are Hispanic (look it up), that seems to be a strange comment. By the way, there are plenty of white non-hispanic illegal immigrants being deported too. The fact that there are many more white-hispanic being deported than white-non-hispanic being deported is obvious, isn't it? But do you think ICE cares if you illegally entered from South America or came from Eastern Europe? They don't.
      I personally do...

      Given that over 50% of border agents are Hispanic (look it up), that seems to be a strange comment. By the way, there are plenty of white non-hispanic illegal immigrants being deported too. The fact that there are many more white-hispanic being deported than white-non-hispanic being deported is obvious, isn't it? But do you think ICE cares if you illegally entered from South America or came from Eastern Europe? They don't.
      I personally do not agree with the current administration's approach but they operate within the limits of the law. I think most people don't understand the law and the authority that the DHS actually has and run around demanding to see "their warrants".
      The previous regime simply didn't enforce the law at all - which is also wrong. In the end laws are laws - both democrats and republicans passed those laws. If you don't like them, change them. Somehow, we only have extremes anymore - one side wants to allow unlimited illegal immigration which is wrong. The other side treats people like a number and without compassion.
      You should also keep in mind that (political) asylum is meant for people that TRULY face persecution - not for people that simply want a better place to live - there are probably 5 billion who all want a bigger piece of the pie. Imagine how a person that really needs asylum must feel, when the system is choked by millions of folks who don't actually have a legitimate claim but simply misuse it to "jump the line". Imagine you are at the emergency room with a serious injury but you will never see a doctor because there is a line with a thousand people out the door who have nothing or a light cough ahead of you. P.S. I am a legal immigrant, went through all the proper processes - never had an issue whatsoever. We need immigration - but we need laws and processes. I would argue that neither dems nor republicans ever wanted to fix the root cause of illegal immigration - because both sides see benefits. In my opinion, the Dems primarily want more voters, the republicans primarily want cheap labor they can exploit. Both sides are wrong.

    3. Jj Guest

      That’s weird bc nowhere did I say the words Hispanic or undocumented. ICE has a well documented history (look it up!) of profiling people based on skin color alone. Regardless of immigration status, I don’t think anyone who appears to be “non native” would want to hang out around those folks.

      As for the last admin, I’m confused by all the asylum seekers I saw living for months and years in Tijuana bc Biden...

      That’s weird bc nowhere did I say the words Hispanic or undocumented. ICE has a well documented history (look it up!) of profiling people based on skin color alone. Regardless of immigration status, I don’t think anyone who appears to be “non native” would want to hang out around those folks.

      As for the last admin, I’m confused by all the asylum seekers I saw living for months and years in Tijuana bc Biden refused to let them enter to file a claim. He also deported more ppl than Trump did during his first term. (Look it up!”

    4. 1990 Guest

      Woah, ‘Not 1990,’ that’s quite the novel, dawg. Not a fan of your ‘both sides-ing.’ Yet, you couldn’t come up with your own alias… sheesh. Thanks for the extra attention.

    5. tda1986 Diamond

      How many layers of rocks do you have to live under to think that ICE has been operating under the law since Trump retook office?

    6. AdamS Guest

      why not?
      They are law enforcement and are morally correct in their actions.

    7. Dusty Guest

      @AdamS
      Do you agree that it's possible for law enforcement agents to exceed their authority and commit crimes while on duty?

  53. MLK's Ghost Guest

    Lawdy! Free at last!

  54. Eric Guest

    Good job Hilton for making the right decision!

    1. 1990 Guest

      Nah, history will judge this administration poorly, and those who enabled it.

    2. 1990 Guest

      Jj, not sure we can rely on sky-daddy for this one; might have to actually do some work to achieve accountability. We’ll get it done, soon enough. RIP Hampton Inn Lakeville… *Hungary Games thump/stare*

    3. Jj Guest

      100%. Just my way of saying "I sure hope so." As a person of faith, I do not believe God intervenes in the world--God gave us all the tools we need to do the work ourselves. If faith inspires people to do the work, it's done its job. But yeah, there's no outsourcing justice.

    4. 1990 Guest

      That's a decent view of faith. Respect.

  55. JD Guest

    Good for Hilton, discrimination is not allowed, period

    1. 1990 Guest

      Oh, please. This was not discrimination. ICE is not a protected class or race.

    2. Nathaniel Guest

      This guy 1990 supports murderers rapists child molesters traffickers drug dealers but NOT law enforcement. an embarrassment to the points and miles community!

    3. 1990 Guest

      I guess I’m a pirate now… arrrrr maties!

    4. tda1986 Diamond

      What an absurd comment, given that the president is an adjudicated rapist who has pardoned convicted drug lords and rioters who attacked police.

    5. JD Guest

      Forgot to take your medicine again?

    6. rtp Guest

      Didn't y'all get mad because a company didn't want to provide a cake for a wedding in Colorado?

    7. chasgoose Guest

      Gay people are a protected class. ICE goons too stupid and fat to be real cops are not.

    1. 1990 Guest

      The irony is that the Hampton Inn in Lakeville has gotten more free advertising this week than it ever could have afforded on its own.

    2. JustinB Diamond

      too bad all those with the political tendencies that would be in support will never be visiting Lakeville

    3. 1990 Guest

      But, but.. it's Wikipedia page says it's "one of the fastest-growing cities in the Twin Cities area."

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

Harold Guest

saying this: "Hilton is — and has always been — a welcoming place for all" and then defending ICE agents is peak irony LOL

9
Jeffrey A Brune Guest

The people bold enough to stand up to Nazi fascism in the 1930s did not profit, but they are the ones we celebrate today. We condemn those who buckled under the pressure fascist regimes apply.

6
1990 Guest

Nah, history will judge this administration poorly, and those who enabled it.

5
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