A controversy involving a Hilton-branded hotel in Minnesota is drawing national attention after federal immigration agents alleged their reservations were canceled because of their affiliation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The incident has prompted responses from the Department of Homeland Security, the hotel’s franchise owner, and Hilton corporate, highlighting the often-murky divide between brand policy and franchise-level decision making.
The Department of Homeland Security responded forcefully on social media, accusing the hotel of refusing service to federal law enforcement officers and suggesting the situation was tantamount to Mary and Joseph being turned away from the inn in Bethlehem. In a widely shared post, DHS claimed that ICE agents attempting to book rooms using official government email addresses and rates had their reservations “maliciously cancelled,” framing the situation as a targeted denial of lodging.
When officers attempted to book rooms using official government emails and rates, Hilton Hotels maliciously CANCELLED their reservations.
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