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Hilton Cuts Ties with Minneapolis Hotel Following DHS and ICE Refusal Video


In a significant move, Hilton Hotels announced on Tuesday that it would terminate its relationship with an independently owned hotel in the Minneapolis area. This decision follows the release of a video that seemingly confirms the hotel’s ongoing refusal to accommodate agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The controversy erupted after independent journalist Nick Sorter shared a video on Tuesday morning. In the footage, Sorter attempts to book a block of rooms at the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, Minnesota. A front desk staff member explicitly states that the hotel continues to bar DHS and ICE agents from staying there.

This revelation directly contradicts a statement made by the hotel’s management company, Everpeak Hospitality, which had issued an apology the previous day claiming that the issue had been resolved and that the hotel did not discriminate against any guests.

OVER 1,000 ARRESTED IN ‘MASSIVE’ MINNESOTA OPERATION, INCLUDING MURDERERS, RAPISTS, PEDOPHILES

Hilton hotel exterior with the company’s logo displayed on the building.

A Hilton logo outside a Hilton hotel on Aug. 2, 2025, in San Diego, Calif. Hilton Hotels announced that it was ending its relationship with an independently owned Minneapolis-area hotel after a newly released video appeared to confirm that the property (Kevin Carter/Getty Images / Getty Images)

In a statement to Fox News, Hilton expressed concern over the situation, stating, “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.” The company also mentioned that it would engage with all franchisees to reinforce the standards expected across its system.

Everpeak Hospitality reiterated its commitment to welcoming all guests and operating in accordance with brand standards and applicable laws. Meanwhile, billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, a Hilton shareholder, commended the company’s swift response to the unfolding controversy.

Ackman tweeted, “Apparently, Hilton Hotels is terminating the franchise effective immediately. Credit to Nick Sorter for his investigative work.” He further praised Hilton for its responsiveness, stating, “Hilton is one of the best-managed companies in the world.” He noted that CEO Chris Nassetta took immediate action upon learning of the situation.

HOMAN VOWS TO ENFORCE IMMIGRATION LAWS IN TWIN CITIES ‘WITHOUT APOLOGY’ AMID MAYOR OPPOSITION

Hampton Inn Lakeville, Minnesota

The Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, Minn., where ICE says agents’ reservations were canceled, prompting a Hilton investigation. (Google Maps / Google Maps)

Ackman had previously commented on the controversy after emails shared publicly by DHS and ICE indicated that hotel staff had informed federal agents that they would not be allowed to stay. He clarified that Hilton does not own or operate the hotel, as it is run by a franchisee, and that the decision to cancel ICE reservations was made by a front office manager. However, the video evidence led Hilton to sever ties with the franchisee.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS

Bill Ackman speaks during a conference

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman praised Hilton’s handling of the quickly unfolding situation. (Patrick Fallon/Bloomberg/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Ackman expressed confidence in Hilton’s management, stating, “Hilton is one of the best-managed companies in the world. Its CEO, Chris Nassetta, is one of the most outstanding CEOs in the world.” He noted that Nassetta took immediate action upon becoming aware of the situation, ensuring that it was handled appropriately and swiftly.

Fox News’ Greg Wehner contributed to this report.


In a significant move, Hilton Hotels announced on Tuesday that it would terminate its relationship with an independently owned hotel in the Minneapolis area. This decision follows the release of a video that seemingly confirms the hotel’s ongoing refusal to accommodate agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The controversy erupted after independent journalist Nick Sorter shared a video on Tuesday morning. In the footage, Sorter attempts to book a block of rooms at the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, Minnesota. A front desk staff member explicitly states that the hotel continues to bar DHS and ICE agents from staying there.

This revelation directly contradicts a statement made by the hotel’s management company, Everpeak Hospitality, which had issued an apology the previous day claiming that the issue had been resolved and that the hotel did not discriminate against any guests.

OVER 1,000 ARRESTED IN ‘MASSIVE’ MINNESOTA OPERATION, INCLUDING MURDERERS, RAPISTS, PEDOPHILES

Hilton hotel exterior with the company’s logo displayed on the building.

A Hilton logo outside a Hilton hotel on Aug. 2, 2025, in San Diego, Calif. Hilton Hotels announced that it was ending its relationship with an independently owned Minneapolis-area hotel after a newly released video appeared to confirm that the property (Kevin Carter/Getty Images / Getty Images)

In a statement to Fox News, Hilton expressed concern over the situation, stating, “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.” The company also mentioned that it would engage with all franchisees to reinforce the standards expected across its system.

Everpeak Hospitality reiterated its commitment to welcoming all guests and operating in accordance with brand standards and applicable laws. Meanwhile, billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, a Hilton shareholder, commended the company’s swift response to the unfolding controversy.

Ackman tweeted, “Apparently, Hilton Hotels is terminating the franchise effective immediately. Credit to Nick Sorter for his investigative work.” He further praised Hilton for its responsiveness, stating, “Hilton is one of the best-managed companies in the world.” He noted that CEO Chris Nassetta took immediate action upon learning of the situation.

HOMAN VOWS TO ENFORCE IMMIGRATION LAWS IN TWIN CITIES ‘WITHOUT APOLOGY’ AMID MAYOR OPPOSITION

Hampton Inn Lakeville, Minnesota

The Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, Minn., where ICE says agents’ reservations were canceled, prompting a Hilton investigation. (Google Maps / Google Maps)

Ackman had previously commented on the controversy after emails shared publicly by DHS and ICE indicated that hotel staff had informed federal agents that they would not be allowed to stay. He clarified that Hilton does not own or operate the hotel, as it is run by a franchisee, and that the decision to cancel ICE reservations was made by a front office manager. However, the video evidence led Hilton to sever ties with the franchisee.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS

Bill Ackman speaks during a conference

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman praised Hilton’s handling of the quickly unfolding situation. (Patrick Fallon/Bloomberg/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Ackman expressed confidence in Hilton’s management, stating, “Hilton is one of the best-managed companies in the world. Its CEO, Chris Nassetta, is one of the most outstanding CEOs in the world.” He noted that Nassetta took immediate action upon becoming aware of the situation, ensuring that it was handled appropriately and swiftly.

Fox News’ Greg Wehner contributed to this report.