Hilton severs ties with Minnesota franchise after hotel refused service to ICE

Hilton instructed the Lakeville Hampton Inn in Minnesota to remove all Hilton branding after an online video showed staff refusing bookings for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and the company said it was removing the property from its systems.

The Hilton brand has disassociated from a Minnesota franchise after a policy barring Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents was reported to be in effect. The hotel owner has been ordered to remove Hilton branding and the chain said it was taking the property out of its systems. The issue drew public criticism from federal authorities and wider attention after an online video circulated. Hilton noted it operates largely through franchise agreements and said it is reinforcing standards with franchisees. Reported details: - Hilton told the Lakeville Hampton Inn in Minnesota to remove all Hilton branding after learning a policy barring ICE agents remained in effect. - An online video showed a front-desk worker saying the hotel would not accept federal immigration officers for bookings. - Hilton announced it was removing the hotel from its systems and said it was engaging with franchisees to reinforce company standards. - Federal authorities publicly criticized the hotel's actions following the video's circulation. Summary: Hilton has moved to separate the Lakeville Hampton Inn from its brand after the reported refusal of service to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and the hotel was ordered to remove Hilton branding. Undetermined at this time.