Hilton did what big brands pragmatically do when a franchise turns into a political firestorm: it cut ties.
Hilton Cuts Ties With Hampton Inn After ICE Booking Controversy Spirals
Earlier today, I shared that a Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, is no longer part of Hilton’s system after a messy controversy in which federal immigration agents alleged their reservations were canceled because they were affiliated with DHS and ICE. This story moved fast, got political even faster, and ultimately left Hilton with very few good options.
The hotel is a franchise property owned by Everpeak Hospitality, which initially issued a statement insisting the situation was inconsistent with its standards and that it does not discriminate. Everpeak apologized and claimed it was addressing the issue.
“Everpeak Hospitality has moved swiftly to address this matter… We do not discriminate… and apologize to those impacted.”
But then came the moment, as flagged by One Mile At A Time, that made this impossible for Hilton to simply put pressure behind-the-scenes about brand standards. A video circulated showing someone attempting to book at the property and being told, at the front desk, that ICE-related bookings were still not being accepted…this was after the Everspeak statement above!
Whether that was a communications breakdown, a rogue employee, or a policy that never actually changed, it created a new problem: the franchise owner’s public statement and what was happening on the ground were at diametric odds.
Hilton responded by moving to remove the property from its system, publicly framing it as a standards issue and reinforcing the idea that Hilton hotels should be welcoming to all lawful guests.
“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.”
Why Hilton Made The Pragmatic Choice
You can have whatever opinion you want about ICE. Thankfully for Hilton, that is not the point here because that issue will bitterly and hopelessly divide the public.
Hilton is a global hospitality brand built on consistency, predictability, and the perception that you can book a room without your profession turning into a litmus test. When a single franchised property becomes a headline, drags the parent brand into it, and then appears to contradict the “we fixed it” message within hours, Hilton has to protect its name.
The blatant contradiction gives Hilton perfect cover to say it’s not even about the underlying issue itself (ICE acting like gestapo), but about the a total disconnect between statements and practice, which gets to the root of credibility.
And this was never going to remain a local dispute. Once DHS got involved publicly and the story went viral, the incentive for activists, influencers, and partisan accounts to show up and “test” the hotel in real time became obvious, as the video above demonstrates. That is not a sustainable operating environment for a branded property, and it is not something Hilton corporate can control day-to-day.
From a business perspective, there is also the reality that government travel is big business for hotels. Even if you strip away politics, telling an entire category of government travelers “not welcome” is the sort of thing that can spook corporate accounts, travel managers, and anyone who values boring reliability over principal stands on hot political topics, even if they involve human rights.
In other words, Hilton did not “pick a side” so much as it chose the least damaging option. A franchisee that cannot execute a basic crisis response, or cannot ensure front-line staff are aligned with stated policy, is a franchisee that becomes a liability…thus, I think Hilton did the right thing, here.
Another Approach?
As an aside, I think this particular hotel could have handled the situation differently and still achieved its goal. It seems that when anti-ICE protestors caught wind there were ICE agents at the hotel, they began protesting at a high-volume level all through the night. The franchise could have issued a statement saying that it had no choice but to suspend its relationship with ICE because local law enfacement refused to enforce local noise ordinance.
Blame diversion is always a workable strategy…
CONCLUSION
Hilton’s decision to cut ties with the Lakeville Hampton Inn looks less like ideology and more like risk management. When a franchise-level decision explodes into national controversy, and then the attempted cleanup appears to unravel on camera, the brand only has one real move left: protect the system, protect the standards, and move on.
Ahh, the ole ‘piss everyone off’ playbook… Target and Bud Light say hello! *waving*
There is no “both sides” Budlight and Target pissed off the normal majority. A few snowflake lefties tried to “counter” boycott but fell flat as they are a minority.
There’s hardly a ‘left’ in modern America, and they never drank Bud Light to begin with; as for Target, no, they waivered, gave up on DEI, and now the center-left doesn’t shop there anymore. Target is struggling.
Costco kept true to their beliefs (still have DEI) and are a great company with resounding support from all. Better to stay true than sway with the wind/tide.
sorry targets sales were lower because of their tranny nonsense and were down before some obscure black church called for a boycott nobody knew about.
Either way target isn’t backtracking, they known woke is dead and those who still support DEI are low income losers.
ICE still won’t be staying there lol
Good riddance. Pitch a tent, or stay in the vehicles of the people they stole them from.
instead of sleeping they should be deporting more of Bidens illegals.
If they’re human, even ICE agents should get some rest. You’re not caring much for the actual law enforcement officers… which reminds me of January 6, 2021. That was Trump and his supporters; it was actually treasonous. Those pardons are an abomination.
They were heros,
Rest in Power Ashli Babbitt.
@walter Barry
Ashli babbitt got what she asked for when she didn’t comply with law enforcement orders. A bullet between the eyes. Lol
Ashley Babbitt was a violent, mentally ill trespasser who should have complied with police orders. Or is it only Black victims of police violence that get blamed for their own murders?
@chasgoose
blacks aren’t vicitms of anything.
the blm lie has long since been debunked and those who perpetuated the grift are in jail.
Any sources for the BLM stuff you are referring to?
BDS
You are a liar. More illegals entered the US during Trump’s reign than during Biden’s. And that includes the flood of immigrants once the border opened up after the pandemic.
You think Trump cares about undocumented workers? You idiots are so gullible….you will fall for any lie he shouts. I can only imagine what a tragic life you must live if you believe ANYTHING that comes out of Trump’s mouth. What else do you believe?
You cannot make up how ignorant, and stupid anyone is who supports someone like Trump.
Happy to dump Hilton now!
Fundamentally, hotels are stuck between a rock and hard place.
ICE, as guests, pose a number of functional challenges, not least of which is that their presence attracts protesters while also making a significant number of other guests uncomfortable.
But banning them wholesale creates a different raft of problems, including inciting the ire of the administration and its mouthpieces, and putting the larger universe of not controversial federal government business in jeopardy.
There are quieter ways this could have been avoided, but no genuinely good options.
The only reason hotels like this are in this situation to begin with is that Trump’s government is abusing his power (legally or otherwise) in ways that no previous administration has. I mean, name the last time another President’s administration has used its extensive powers to bring down the hammer on some random small business (or even a small franchisee group?) like it did here? Also, another concern for the hotel is that now that Kavanaugh Stops which seem to tolerate all kinds of previously unconstitutional profiling are acceptable, I imagine a small, limited-service hotel outside of a big city like this one probably worried about whether ICE would harass its employees, or worse, just raid the hotel from the inside as guests, which would also put other guests at risk.
lefties are just being asked to live by their own rules.
FAFO
Live and Let’s Fly Left
Perhaps you’d prefer View from the (Right) Wing?
In a fiercely competitive industry, this was a conflict that the legendary Hilton name should never have been involved in…
The interesting part is that this property looks pretty new. I assume the owner will try to move it to another franchise like Choice, IHG or Marriott. I wonder if they will still have the same policy? I wonder if those other companies will vet this?
How is the Fed govt enforcing its laws a human rights issue? 192 other countries enforce their border rules every day with out being called evil.
How to tell us you have TDS without telling us you have TDS.
As Coolidge said, the business of America is BUSINESS. The franchisee and its employees are free to take their earnings and donate money or free time to whatever causes they wish.
They all should have known better, frankly, than to start with this…
I wonder though about the businesses in Germany in the 1930’s. I am sure most took your approach. How did that end for them?
Is Hugo Boss still around… *facepalm*
Paraphrasing , but Silent Cal said I have never gotten in trouble for not saying anything. Be Alert to this message. Still trolling. Ugh
There are plenty of nonpolitical reasons a hotel wouldn’t want ICE agents as guests. What if anti-ICE protesters show up and protest throughout the night, disturbing other guests? What if the ICE agents decide to raid their hotel from the inside as guests? The majority of non-ICE guests probably don’t want to be staying in hotel that’s being raided. Even if the hotel owners are diligent about verifying status, Kavanaugh Stops allow ICE to profile and detain people in ways that were previously unconstitutional now.
From a hotel owners’ perspective, I could see the downsides to ICE agents staying at my hotel outweighing the risk of blowback from not allowing them to stay there. At least with a normal American administration that doesn’t seek to use its significant powers to punish those who don’t comply with its agenda, I would. Unfortunately we don’t live in a normal America and if they didn’t know that they would be in trouble after the snowflakes in the Trump administration threw a hissy fit on Twitter if they didn’t fall in line with the regime’s demands, some cynical clout-chaser would probably show up to make sure they were.
When will Hilton enforce the previously free hot breakfast perks for gold members?
Sorry, best we can do is an expired Spongebob-themed Go-GURT, take it or leave it.
Another stunt by this administration to make sure fear to defy the will of trump, Noem , lewandowski and miller allows for punishment. Weaponry, jack boots and riot gear have no place in a hotel with families. Ask yourself if YOU would be happy to stay there. Hilton has opened a door on their knees. We need to stop this madness, not continue to fall for stunts..
These leftist extremist should fear. The rule of law is being enforced. The American People wanted it and voted for it.
There is a new Sherriff in town and he has a mandate.
Please take your children to stay with weapons and riot gear. Like most, I believe in the constitution and the oath of office that trump did take. He is the traitor to the American people. Get over it Walter. And happy j6 to you.
Where you been? We needed our resident bigot to sort this out… nah, Trump’s base is 1/3 at best. Most people aren’t even paying attention to any of this noise. How’s Epstein?
Walter is still looking for the new sheriff in town. It isn’t the gold ranger anymore
LOL
Epstein?
You mean the thing that was supposed to destroy trump and made him actually look like an angel?
That blew up in the dems faces like their lighbulb headed fraudsters in MSP.
Well, between the redeactions and limited release of what is in the Epstein files, of course Trump is looking good with regards to the files…for now.
Happy American Bastille day to you as well.
the cops were there because of violent leftist terrorist. I’m angry the cops didn’t go in and curb stomp them.
So now you like the French? What happened to ‘freedom fries’ bud?
Nah, 1/3 of the country isn’t a majority or a mandate, especially not for this; midterms are coming… 300 days. Better start actually fixing the economy and healthcare or y’all are toast.
You can keep touting the fear of leftist extremists but it’s starting to fall on deaf ears. The majority of Americans are centrists and we smell your farts. There is no leftist onslaught as you like to imagine. It’s now becoming the majority center that is sick and tired of both of you. In November you will start to learn.
There is no “we” you’re a leftist loon.
You’re also in a dying minority.
You clowns said the same thing last November. How did that work out?
I wish America had an actual left-wing. These days, there’s a few progressives (Bernie, AOC, Mamdani), a bunch of corporate Democrats, a few Never Trumpers (but most of them resigned or went into hiding), then a 3rd of the country is outright fascist. I’m surprised Dear Leader hasn’t literally rounded up and detained all sitting opposition in government yet. Like, they’re amping things up with the threats to Sen. Kelly and Gov. Walz, but it’s not full-Handmaids Tale yet.
I beg to differ. Centrist is going to rise. Must rise. It’s ingrained in the likes of Pete B, Newsom (yes, despite his being painted as far left by the right), Beshear, and Shapiro to name a few. They are at the forefront leading the rise of the centrists. They are the last hope before civil war between far right and far left takes hold. Either we embrace a centrist approach at this moment or all will be lost in this country. Perhaps the world.
If the so-called ‘centrists’ wanna finally step-up, please, by all means, do so, but, once again, there is no ‘far-left’ in the US. Notice how they can barely arrange a few peaceful no-kings marches, then basically gave up. No targeted boycotts or strikes. Just, meh. Gotta work to keep our healthcare. We’re owned by corrupt politicians and corporations. The few left of center who speak up get called communist terrorists… *facepalm* Would be lovely to see a generational change and actual progressive leadership, for once.
You have no clue what the rule of law is or means in this country. Stop using words you are too dumb to understand
The majority support Ice and what they are doing.
If you are against ice you are a traitor and leftist (same thing).
Nope. 1/3rd is not a majority, and our fellow countrymen are not traitors for wanting law enforcement to not exceed their authority.
Keep dreaming, Trump won more LEGITMATE votes than any other person 3 times.
3 times? Try infinite times @Walter Barry you lefty moron
Trump hosted the Kennedy center honors and it drew the lowest TV ratings of all time. Hahaha, what a loser
So, it’s no longer the lefts and thats what matter.
WE are slowly destroying everything you hold dear.
Proof of this?
There isn’t any proof. Walter’s definition of ‘legitimate’ is ‘whatever I want it to mean.’
Trump and his pathetic worshipers are traitors to the constitution of the United States. Truly Pathetic trash. Belong in prison. No redeeming qualities. Not an ounce of intelligence or integrity. Wow.
We’re the growing majority and we’re taking over ALL your sacred institutions. You can’t stop us.
Theres no “we”. Trump and his people don’t care about a meth addled unemployed bald loser like you. You are not useful to them. You just haven’t realized it yet
Good to see reason and rationality prevailed. Like in the last election.
The American people support ICE and what they are doing. It’s only the traitors and scumbags who don’t, pray they get cancer.
Nah, good guys don’t pray for others to be harmed. Anyone with a conscience can clearly see that…
You support murders (Ice kills Americans in cold blood), rapists (Trump) and drug dealers (Trump pardons one of the most notorious drug dealers in the world) And the scary part is you are truly proud of yourself.
As you admit, you’re proud to destroy America..: well there’s really nothing else to say other than to call you out as a traitor. May you get the hell that you so desperately seek.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this policy was less due to politics but the practical reality that a lot of small, rural/suburban, limited service hotels like this one probably rely somewhat on undocumented workers (or documented ones that ICE can now legally detain with a Kavanaugh Stop because they speak Spanish/are brown.). eVerify only gets you so far as a hotel owner.
I can’t imagine any hotel wants to be the site of an ICE raid, especially one perpetrated by guests of the hotel who already have access to the property. Not only would that lead to a politically difficult situation for other guests, but what if word gets out and protesters show up and disturb other guests? Also, let’s be real, a lot of these ICE goons are people too stupid or too fat (or both) enough to get a job as a police officer. A lot could go wrong if they decide to be lazy and raid the hotel to meet Stephen Miller’s quota for the day instead of wherever else they were sent there to raid.
I mean once the Trump administration snowflakes decided to throw a hissy fit about it on Twitter and the hotel owners caved, they should have known some huckster far right clout seeker would show up to gotcha them if they didn’t actually enforce their new rule. While this pattern should be obvious now to anyone paying attention (and a troubling example of our slow descent into authoritarianism), I can’t fully blame the hotel owners for not grasping how far our democracy has fallen.
You’re not wrong.
I’d add that ICE under Trump 2.0 is basically a jobs program for unemployed bigots. Like, while there’s very little economic opportunity elsewhere, Trump and his sycophants passed excessive funding for what is practically a paramilitary, used to harass people… in the 1930s, they’d’ve been called brown shirts. The signing bonuses and higher-than-average pay are not justified, especially when all these guys are doing is bullying brown folks, not solving any real problems.
I look forward to a future administration correcting these injustices and seeking full transparency and accountability on what exactly was done in our name, who abused their authority, how, and who was harmed, so we can ‘make it right’ and prevent it from ever happening again. Sure, there’ll be naysayers, and there often are, but this too shall pass, and they won’t be in-charge forever. 299 days until the midterms.
every accusation by a lefty is a confession.
Also lol at the lefty that got iced by ice today. Thats how you handle them.
Walter the woman murdered by ICE today was an American citizen. Back on topic, this easily could have been someone staying at the hotel and trying to escape a kerfuffle because weapons don’t belong in a Hampton Inn with families. Put them in in barracks which would be the safer choice.
Agreed, Maryland!
Well now we know where Nazis and Klansmen will be welcomed. Hilton welcomes “all”
At my last Hampton stay, the ice machine was broken.
lol