A major hospitality chain has taken drastic action against one of its franchise properties after an undercover journalist exposed that the hotel was continuing to refuse accommodations to federal immigration agents. This move came despite public assurances from the corporate parent that the discriminatory policy had been resolved.
Undercover Sting Captures Continued Refusal
The controversy erupted when conservative journalist Nick Sortor, known for his MAGA-aligned reporting, released covertly recorded video from the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, Minnesota. In the footage, filmed on Monday, Sortor posed as a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) worker attempting to book rooms.
A front desk employee is heard clearly stating, "We’re not accepting people from immigration, DHS agents into our property." When asked if the policy had changed, the employee replied that the owner of the building had not communicated any changes, attributing the ban to the "current management/ownership."
Corporate Apology Followed by Decisive Action
This revelation was particularly damaging as it surfaced just hours after Hilton Worldwide had publicly insisted the issue was fixed. The initial row began when DHS shared emails online showing the hotel had cancelled reservations upon learning they were for immigration enforcement officials. One email bluntly stated the cancellation was due to "information about immigration work connected with your name."
DHS accused Hilton of a "coordinated campaign" to refuse service to its law enforcement personnel. Hilton quickly distanced itself, blaming the decision on a single, independently owned franchise. The hotel's management company, Everpeak Hospitality, also claimed it was working to address the matter.
However, Sortor's video starkly contradicted these promises, forcing Hilton's hand. On Tuesday, the company announced "immediate action to remove this hotel from our systems," effectively terminating the franchise agreement. Hilton stated the footage "clearly raises concerns that they are not meeting our standards and values," reaffirming that the brand is "a welcoming place for all."
Indian-American Ownership and Local Context
According to filings with the Minnesota secretary of state, the hotel was purchased for $15 million last year and is owned by four Indian-Americans: Parmjit Singh, Amanpreet Hundal, Karandeep Nagra, and Mohinderjeet Kaur.
The incident occurs against a tense local backdrop. Recently, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen named Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis. DHS and ICE cited 'self-defence' as the reason for the shooting, an event that has likely heightened sensitivities around immigration enforcement in the community.
Following Hilton's announcement, Nick Sortor confirmed the changes on social media, posting that "The sign at the former Hilton Hotel that I exposed... has now been TAKEN DOWN." He added a warning: "Let this be a lesson to ALL hotels who think they can get away with barring DHS agents!"
The swift corporate disassociation highlights the reputational and financial risks for franchisees who adopt policies starkly at odds with their parent brand's public stance, especially on politically charged issues involving federal agencies.
