A Minnesota hotel has lost its ability to host federal employees after refusing lodging to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and immigration officers. The Hampton Inn Lakeville sparked a swift response from the General Services Administration (GSA), the agency responsible for federal lodging programs.
Emails released by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE revealed the hotel’s explicit policy: ICE and immigration officers were not welcome. This blatant refusal to serve federal law enforcement triggered immediate scrutiny from the GSA.
GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst acted decisively, stating the hotel was in “clear violation” of program requirements. Within hours, the Hampton Inn Lakeville was removed from all GSA booking tools and lodging programs, effectively cutting off a significant revenue stream.
The situation escalated when a video surfaced showing a hotel employee continuing to deny rooms to federal agents, despite assurances from Hilton Hotels that the issue had been addressed. This contradicted Hilton’s initial statement of non-discrimination and prompted further action.
Hilton Hotels swiftly severed ties with the independently owned and operated Hampton Inn Lakeville, removing it from their network. The hotel chain emphasized its commitment to inclusivity, stating it “does not tolerate any form of discrimination” and is “a welcoming place for all.”
The Hampton Inn Lakeville had previously accommodated federal agents for approximately 130 nights in the past year. This included both active-duty military personnel and civilian employees, representing a fraction of the nation’s 4 million-strong federal workforce.
The GSA’s action extends beyond standard lodging, terminating both emergency and long-term lodging services at the property. This comprehensive removal underscores the seriousness with which the agency views compliance with its program requirements.
FedRooms, the GSA-managed program at the center of this dispute, ensures federal travelers have access to compliant hotel accommodations at or below established per diem rates. The Hampton Inn Lakeville’s actions jeopardized this system and ultimately led to its exclusion.
The hotel has since disappeared from Hilton’s official website, a stark consequence of its discriminatory policy. The incident serves as a clear message: federal law enforcement officers are entitled to the same services and respect as any other traveler.
