Hilton Hotel Chain Responds to Viral ICE Email Claim Involving the Hampton Inn Lakeville Minneapolis
The Hilton hotel chain is trying to distance itself from a viral email controversy.
The emails went viral after the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, or ICE, posted what it said were emails from a Hilton-associated property and wrote, "Hey @HiltonHotels— why did your team in Minneapolis cancel our federal law enforcement officer and agents' reservations?" The emails, which you can read later in this story, have ignited a firestorm online against Hilton after they were viewed more than 2.5 million times in just a few hours through just the original post alone.
Hilton then released a statement distancing itself from the emails, which allegedly involve a hotel called the Hampton Inn Lakeville Minneapolis. The emails shared by ICE end with the word Hilton. “Hilton hotels serve as welcoming places for all,” the company said in a statement to Skift. “This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values.” Men's Journal reached out to both Hilton and Hampton Inn Lakeville Minneapolis for comment.
After writing the Hampton Inn, Men's Journal received a response from Ravi Singh on behalf of "Everpeak Hospitality," via a Hilton email. "Everpeak Hospitality has moved swiftly to address this matter as it was inconsistent with our policy of being a welcoming place for all," the response says. "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."
A Hilton spokesperson subsequently told Fox News: "We are investigating this matter with this individual hotel, and can confirm that Hilton works with governments, law enforcement and community leaders around the world to ensure our properties are open and inviting to everyone."
The Emails Indicate That the Agents Were Told Their Reservation Would Be Cancelled
The first email posted by ICE was dated January 2. It reads, "This email is in regards to the reservation you made with the Hampton Inn Lakeville property. We have noticed an influx of GOV reservations made today that have been for DHS, and we are not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property. If you are with DHS or immigration, let us know as we will have to cancel your reservation. Please pass on this info to your coworkers that we are not allowing any immigration agents to house on our property. Reply at your earliest convenience."
The second email posted by ICE has a subject line that says "upcoming reservation," and is dated a short time later on January 2. It reads, "After further investigation online, we have found information about immigration work connected with your name, and we will be cancelling your upcoming reservation. You should see a proper cancellation email in your inbox shortly from Hilton."
Hey @HiltonHotels — why did your team in Minneapolis cancel our federal law enforcement officer and agents' reservations? pic.twitter.com/xuoBvfcPkV
— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) January 5, 2026
The hotel is listed on the Hilton website as "Hampton Inn Lakeville Minneapolis."
"Find us off I-35, 25 miles from Minneapolis and near local dining and shopping. Lakeville Area Arts Center and Casperson Park & Boat Launch on the bank of Lake Marion are five minutes away," the website says. "We offer free hot breakfast and WiFi. Enjoy our fitness center featuring a Peloton Bike with toe cages, heated indoor pool, and 24-hour snack and sundry store."