A Hilton Hotels franchisee in Somali-controlled Minneapolis has canceled reservations for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents, prompting an apology from both the hotel and the Hilton chain.
According to DHS reports, a hotel sent unauthorized emails canceling bookings for federal law enforcement officers. The messages stated that they were “not allowing any immigration agents to house on our property” and instructed those with DHS or immigration reservations to contact them to cancel.
The incident occurred during a DHS operation targeting suspected fraudulent day care centers with Somali connections. DHS reported that after independent journalist Nick Shirley uncovered multiple Somali-run childcare facilities not caring for children, the agency launched an investigation into potential fraud across Minnesota.
Hilton and Everpeak Hospitality, the hotel’s management company, responded by stating the actions were unauthorized and did not reflect their policies. “This hotel is independently owned and operated, and these actions were not reflective of Hilton values,” a Hilton Newsroom statement said. “We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.” The company confirmed that the hotel had apologized to affected guests and would ensure proper accommodations. Everpeak Hospitality added: “We are committed to welcoming all guests and operating in accordance with brand standards, applicable laws, and our role as a professional hospitality provider.”
The incident follows similar actions by Hilton during President Donald Trump’s administration when the company refused to allow federal agents to detain migrants at its hotels. DHS has criticized the hotel’s conduct as part of an effort to address widespread childcare fraud. The agency warned that the employee who wrote the emails may have acted recklessly, particularly given reports of potential dangers from investigative work in Minnesota.
A former U.S. attorney noted concerns about a Politico legal affairs writer named Josh Gerstein tweeting that journalist Nick Shirley might face violence during his investigation into day care fraud. “Knocking on doors” is not inherently threatening and does not justify lethal force under stand-your-ground laws, the attorney added.