Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., says in “The Bottom Line” that there needs to be a broader criminal investigation in Minnesota.
Hilton Hotels announced Tuesday that it is ending its relationship with independently managed hotels in the Minneapolis area. This comes after newly released video confirms that the hotel continues to refuse accommodation to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The decision was made soon after. Video has been published On Tuesday morning, freelance journalist Nick Souter reported that he was trying to book a room at the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, Minnesota, but front desk staff confirmed that the hotel was still closed to DHS and ICE personnel.
The staff’s comments in the secretly recorded video appeared to directly contradict an apology issued by the hotel’s management company, Everpeak Hospitality, on Monday, saying the issue had been resolved and the property did not discriminate.
The Hilton logo outside the Hilton Hotel on August 2, 2025 in San Diego, California. Hilton Hotels announced it is ending its relationship with an independently owned hotel in the Minneapolis area after a newly released video confirming the hotel’s ownership. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images/Getty Images)
“The independent hotel owner assured us that they have resolved this issue and have issued a message confirming this,” Hilton said in a statement to Fox News. “Recent videos clearly raise concerns that they do not live up to our standards and values, which is why we are taking immediate action. Delete this hotel from your system. Hilton is, and always will be, a place where everyone is welcome. We’re also working with all of our franchisees to strengthen the standards we hold for franchisees across our system to ensure this never happens again. ”
Everpeak Hospitality released a statement Monday saying it is committed to welcoming all guests and operating in accordance with its brand standards, applicable laws and its role as a professional hospitality provider.
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman believes that he hilton shareholderpraised Hilton’s response to the rapidly developing controversy.
“It appears that Hilton Hotels is terminating the franchise effective immediately,” Ackman wrote. “We would like to thank Nick Souter for his investigative work.”
“Hilton hotels deserve praise for their responsiveness,” he wrote in another post.
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At the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, Minn., ICE announced that the agent’s reservation had been canceled and Hilton had launched an investigation. (Google Maps/Google Maps)
Ackman has previously spoken out about the X controversy. Emails shared publicly by DHS And ICE appears to have shown staff at the Lakeville lodging facility telling federal reservation officials that the hotel would not allow ICE or other immigration officials to stay there.
Ackman said Hilton does not own or operate the hotels, which are operated by franchisees, and the decision to cancel ICE reservations was made by the front office manager.
The claims were later debunked by video, leading Hilton to sever ties with the franchisee.
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Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman praised Hilton’s response to the rapidly evolving situation. (Patrick Fallon/Bloomberg/Getty Images/Getty Images)
“Hilton is one of the best-run companies in the world. Its CEO, Chris Nassetta, is one of the most outstanding CEOs in the world. I know he is highly respected by the president.” donald trump And the current administration,” Ackman wrote before Souter’s video was released.
“Chris became personally involved in this situation from the moment he became aware of it and took immediate action,” it added. “As a Hilton customer and shareholder, I am satisfied that this situation was handled appropriately and in a timely manner.”
Contributed by Greg Wenner of FOX NewstThis report has been edited.
