A Hampton Inn sign was dismantled in Minnesota after a viral video renewed scrutiny over claims that the hotel continued to refuse rooms to federal immigration agents.
The video of the sign’s removal went viral after commentator Nick Sortor posted it on January 7. The footage depicted a crane taking down branding at a hotel he identified as the former Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, following earlier allegations that the property barred Department of Homeland Security personnel from staying there, as previously covered by The Dallas Express.
Hilton Hotels finally opting for the better response. pic.twitter.com/77cgAyA3WT
— Ellen Streiff (@EllenStreiff) January 8, 2026
The Dallas Express contacted Hilton to verify the authenticity and significance of the video, but did not receive a response.
DX observed that the property no longer appears on the Hampton by Hilton website, though it still appears on Google listings. When DX attempted to book a room online to test the thoroughness of the separation, prices did not appear to be available.
The development follows an announcement from the U.S. General Services Administration that it had removed a Hilton-affiliated property in Minnesota from all government lodging programs after confirming that reservations made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and other DHS personnel were canceled.
U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Edward C. Forst said the hotel was found to be “in clear violation” of program requirements and was removed from booking systems “effective immediately,” according to the agency press release.
The GSA statement indicated that the decision was based on emails shared publicly by DHS, which the department said showed staff at a Hilton-branded Hampton Inn informing agents that the property would “not allow any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property.”
GSA’s presser stated that participation in federal lodging programs requires hotels to honor reservations from all federal agencies without exception.
How it started How it's going pic.twitter.com/BhzJSj01NB
— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) January 8, 2026
Earlier reports indicated that representatives from Hilton’s corporate office announced the company would cut ties with the independently owned hotel after a video surfaced online, showing staff once again refusing to accommodate DHS personnel, as previously reported on by The Dallas Express. This contradicted previous statements from the property’s ownership claiming that the issue had been resolved.
DHS officials have characterized the alleged cancellations as an unacceptable refusal of service to federal law enforcement, while Hilton reps previously said that the actions of independently owned properties do not reflect corporate values.
