Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has unleashed a sharp rebuke against Hilton Hotels for refusing to accommodate ICE agents during a critical immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.

The Department of Homeland Security, under Noem’s leadership, accused the hotel chain of canceling reservations for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, as reported by the Daily Mail. This move, DHS claims, aligns Hilton with a troubling stance against federal law enforcement.

The incident unfolded as over 2,000 ICE and DHS officers descended on the Twin Cities for a major deportation initiative in 2026. Reports of alleged fraud by Somali nationals in the area prompted this significant crackdown.

Hotel Chain Accused of Undermining Law Enforcement

DHS took to social media on Monday afternoon, posting on X that Hilton had launched a deliberate effort to deny service to their agents. Screenshots shared by the department revealed emails from hotel staff canceling bookings once they identified the guests as federal officers involved in immigration duties.

One email from a Hilton employee bluntly stated, “We are not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property.” That kind of blanket refusal raises serious questions about corporate priorities when public safety hangs in the balance.

Hilton’s response, delivered to Fox News, suggested the issue stemmed from an independently owned franchise, not reflective of the company’s broader values. Their statement emphasized a commitment to being “welcoming places for all,” but that rings hollow when agents enforcing our laws are shown the door.

Operation Targets Fraud Allegations in Somali Community

The Minneapolis operation emerged from troubling claims of fraud tied to Somali-run daycare centers in Minnesota. A viral video by conservative influencer Nick Shirley exposed facilities that appeared largely empty despite raking in millions in government funding.

Homeland Security has already reported over 700 arrests in the region as part of this enforcement surge. That number alone underscores the urgency of the mission and the need for basic logistical support like a place to sleep for agents on the ground.

Critics of Hilton’s actions argue the hotel chain has chosen to play politics over supporting the rule of law. When a company blocks federal officers from doing their job, it sends a signal that ideology trumps the safety of American communities.

Public Backlash and Calls for Accountability

Trump supporters and conservative voices have swiftly condemned Hilton’s decision, with some urging a boycott of the brand. Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Kolvet wrote on X that this amounts to “blatant discrimination against federal law enforcement” while pandering to far-left sentiments.

Will Hild, executive director of Consumers’ Research, didn’t mince words either, saying, “It’s outrageous that Hilton canceled room reservations held by DHS and ICE agents simply because they disagree with President Trump’s policies.” He argued that prioritizing a progressive agenda over public safety is a dangerous precedent for any business to set.

The franchise model Hilton operates under may distance corporate headquarters from day-to-day decisions at individual properties. But that excuse wears thin when the brand’s name is tied to a policy that actively hinders agents protecting our borders.

A Test for Corporate Responsibility

This clash between Hilton and DHS reveals a deeper tension over how private companies engage with federal priorities. If a hotel chain can refuse service to law enforcement based on political disagreements, what stops other businesses from following suit?

The deportation push in Minneapolis, one of the first major operations of 2026, was meant to signal a firm stance on immigration enforcement. Instead, it’s been bogged down by a hotel’s refusal to provide the most basic of accommodations.

Noem and her department have made their frustration clear, with DHS publicly asking why Hilton would side against those tasked with upholding national security. The ball is now in Hilton’s court to either stand by our agents or risk alienating millions who see this as a betrayal of American values.