Hilton Hotels announced it has removed a Minneapolis hotel from its systems after a video exposed that it was still banning Department of Homeland Security employees.
DHS had a great response this morning:
DHS published emails from the Hampton Inn by Hilton Lakeville, Minnesota, showing that it would not allow ICE agents or immigration officials to stay at the hotel.
One email stated, “After further investigation online, we have found information about immigration work connected with your name and we will be cancelling your upcoming reservation.”
After the chaos, Hilton claimed, “This hotel is independently owned and operated, and these actions were not reflective of Hilton values. We have been in direct contact with the hotel and they have apologized for the actions of their team, which was not in keeping with their policies.”
The chain followed up, saying the Hampton Inn took “immediate action to resolve this matter.”
Hilton’s operator, Everpeak, appeared to confirm the moves: “Everpeak Hospitality has moved swiftly to address this matter as it was inconsistent with our policy of being a welcoming place for all. We are in touch with the impacted guests to ensure they are accommodated. We do not discriminate against any individuals or agencies and apologize to those impacted. We are committed to welcoming all guests and operating in accordance with brand standards, applicable laws, and our role as a professional hospitality provider.”
Interesting. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said DHS and ICE hadn’t received any updates from Everpeak Hospitality.
Well, independent journalist Nick Sortor visited the Hampton Inn to confirm if the hotel changed its policies:
BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: I went into the Minnesota Hilton who “apologized” for banning DHS agents, and EXPOSED them for CONTINUING to ban DHS agents@HiltonHotels has decided they want the FULL BUDLIGHT treatment at this point.Hilton’s operator, Everpeak, STRAIGHT UP LIED in their statement yesterday which said they were “in touch” with DHS to accommodate impacted agents, and “do not discriminate against any individuals or agencies.”NONE of that was true. There was NO attempt to reach DHS agents to make it right, per Asst. DHS Sec. @TriciaOhioEven the FRONT DESK manager said he had spoken with the owner shortly before I walked in around 10:50pm, and confirmed the ANTI-DHS POLICY REMAINED IN EFFECT.REVOKE THEIR LICENSE, HILTON, OR IT’S GOING TO COST YOU DEARLY. YOU’VE BEEN WARNED.This is an INCREDIBLY dumb battle to choose!
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