### Hilton Disowns Minnesota Hotel Amid Controversy Over ICE Reservations In a significant corporate response, Hilton Worldwide has severed ties with a Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, after allegations surfaced that the hotel refused to accommodate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The controversy erupted when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused the hotel of canceling reservations made by ICE personnel, who were deployed in the area as part of a broader immigration enforcement initiative. This incident has drawn sharp criticism from the Trump administration and has led to public apologies from Hilton and the hotel's franchise owner, as well as calls for boycotts against the hotel chain. Hilton has mandated the removal of its branding from the hotel, effective immediately, emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity and service to all guests [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15440155/hilton-disowns-hotel-franchisee-ice-agents-rooms.html][https://www.siliconvalley.com/2026/01/07/hilton-response-minnesota-hotel-cancels-ice-agent-reservations]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background of the Incident** - The Lakeville Hampton Inn allegedly canceled reservations for ICE agents, leading to accusations of a "coordinated campaign" against law enforcement by the hotel [https://www.hoteldive.com/news/hilton-minnesota-hampton-inn-dhs-dispute/808965]. - DHS claimed that the hotel’s actions hindered immigration enforcement efforts, prompting a swift corporate response from Hilton [https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/01/dhs-alleges-hilton-canceled-agent-hotel-reservations-as-immigration-crackdown-escalates-in-minneapolis]. 2. **Corporate Response** - Hilton announced the removal of the hotel from its system and ordered the franchisee to cease using Hilton branding [https://www.fox9.com/news/hilton-removing-mn-hotel-denied-ice-bookings]. - The company issued public apologies, stating that the actions of the franchisee did not reflect Hilton's values [https://www.wbls.com/news/hilton-hotels-apologize-after-dhs-claims-they-canceled-ice-agent-reservations]. 3. **Public and Political Reactions** - The incident has sparked backlash from the Trump administration, which criticized the hotel for its refusal to serve ICE agents [https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/hilton-ice-row-us-minnesota-hotel-cancelled-bookings-13965885.html]. - Calls for boycotts against Hilton have emerged on social media platforms, further intensifying the controversy [https://www.theblaze.com/news/hilton-hotel-ice-cut-minneapolis]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Dates and Actions:** - January 6, 2026: DHS publicly accused the hotel of canceling ICE reservations, leading to Hilton's investigation [https://www.inquisitr.com/dhs-slams-hilton-hotels-after-its-minneapolis-property-turned-away-ice-agents]. - January 7, 2026: Hilton officially disowned the hotel and mandated the removal of its branding [https://www.hoteldive.com/news/hilton-minnesota-hampton-inn-dhs-dispute/808965]. - **Public Sentiment:** - The incident has led to significant media coverage, with multiple outlets reporting on the backlash and Hilton's corporate response [https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/hilton-cuts-ties-with-minnesota-hotel-at-center-of-dhs-controversy]. ### Conclusion and Summary of Findings **Hilton's swift action to disassociate from the Lakeville Hampton Inn underscores the company's commitment to inclusivity and service.** 1. **Background**: The hotel faced allegations of canceling ICE reservations, leading to a public relations crisis for Hilton. 2. **Corporate Response**: Hilton removed the hotel from its system and issued apologies, emphasizing that the franchisee's actions did not align with its values. 3. **Public Reaction**: The incident has drawn criticism from political figures and calls for boycotts, highlighting the contentious nature of immigration enforcement in the U.S. This situation illustrates the complexities and challenges faced by corporations in navigating political and social issues, particularly in the context of immigration enforcement [https://www.lifezette.com/2026/01/hilton-blocks-ice-agents-from-booking-hotels-in-minnesota-dhs-claims-watch].