A Minnesota hotel has lost its ability to host federal employees after a blatant refusal to accommodate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and immigration officers. The Hampton Inn Lakeville sparked a swift response from the General Services Administration (GSA), resulting in its removal from approved lodging lists.
Emails released by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE revealed the hotel’s policy: ICE and immigration officers were simply not welcome. This direct discrimination against federal law enforcement triggered immediate action from the GSA, the agency responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of federal agencies.
GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst stated the hotel was in clear violation of its government lodging program requirements. The removal from all programs and booking tools was effective immediately, sending a strong message of support for federal law enforcement partners.
The situation escalated when a video surfaced showing an employee continuing to deny rooms to immigration officers, despite assurances from Hilton Hotels that the venue had apologized and welcomed all guests. This blatant contradiction fueled further action.
Hilton Hotels, initially stating the Hampton Inn Lakeville was independently owned and operated, took decisive steps to distance itself from the property. Recognizing the severity of the situation, they removed the hotel from their network, emphasizing their commitment to inclusivity.
The hotel had previously participated in GSA FedRooms, a program designed to provide federal travelers with compliant and affordable lodging. This partnership, and all associated benefits, has now been terminated, including emergency and long-term lodging services.
For nearly 130 nights last year, the Hampton Inn Lakeville had accommodated federal agents. Now, that option is closed, impacting the over four million members of the federal workforce, including active-duty military personnel.
Hilton’s initial response focused on the independently owned nature of the hotel and claimed immediate corrective action was taken. However, the viral video proved those assurances were false, forcing a more definitive and public separation.
“A recent video clearly raises concerns that they are not meeting our standards and values,” Hilton Hotels stated, reinforcing their commitment to being a welcoming place for all. The Hampton Inn Lakeville has since disappeared from Hilton’s website.
This incident underscores the GSA’s unwavering support for federal law enforcement and its commitment to ensuring government employees are treated with respect and provided with necessary accommodations while performing their duties.
