Hilton tears down signs to sever ties with Minneapolis hotel that allegedly refused ICE agents rooms

Core Viewpoint - Hilton Hotels is distancing itself from the Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, following allegations that the hotel refused service to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents, highlighting the company's commitment to its brand values and inclusivity [1][5][6]. Group 1: Company Actions - Hilton is removing signs from the Hampton Inn property and has taken the hotel out of its system, indicating a severance of ties with the independently operated franchise [2][5]. - The company is investigating the incident, asserting that the actions of the hotel do not reflect Hilton's values of hospitality and inclusivity [5][6]. Group 2: Incident Details - The controversy arose after DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported that the hotel denied accommodations to ICE agents, which was communicated through emails from the hotel staff [4][8]. - The incident has sparked significant backlash online, with some individuals praising the hotel's refusal to serve ICE agents, while others condemned the actions as undermining law enforcement [11][9]. Group 3: Brand Positioning - Hilton has a history of distancing itself from immigration detention activities, previously stating that hotels should be places of hospitality and should not be associated with the detainment of migrants [12][13].