A Hilton branded hotel that originally declined to host guests because they were with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)\u00a0 has backpedalled, saying in a statement Monday it does \u201cnot discriminate against any individuals or agencies and apologize to those impacted.\u201dThe episode started earlier on Monday when the official DHS X account posted what it presented as screenshots of emails from the Hilton hotel to officials.\u201cWe 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,\u201d one of the emails reads. \u201cIf you are with DHS or immigration, let us know as we will have to cancel your reservation.\u201dA second email then says \u201cAfter further investigation online, we have found information about immigration work connected with your name and we will be cancelling your upcoming reservation.\u201dThe DHS X account posted these screenshots along with the text \u201cHilton Hotels has launched a coordinated campaign in Minneapolis to REFUSE service to DHS law enforcement.\u201d\ud83d\udca1Do you work at DHS? I would love to hear from you. Using a non-work device, you can message me securely on Signal at joseph.404 or send me an email at joseph@404media.co.In a statement to 404 Media, Hilton Hotels said the particular hotel was independently operated, as many of Hilton\u2019s hotels are. \u201cHilton hotels serve as welcoming places for all. This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values. 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,\u201d the statement said.A few hours later, Hilton followed up with an updated statement, saying \u201cWe have been in direct contact with the hotel, and they have apologized for the actions of their team, which was not in keeping with their policies. They have taken immediate action to resolve this matter. Hilton\u2019s position is clear: Our properties are open to everyone and we do not tolerate any form of discrimination.\u201dThe company then pointed to a statement on Everspeak Hospitality\u2019s website, saying this was the respective hotel. \u201cEverpeak Hospitality has moved swiftly to address this matter as it was inconsistent with our policy of being a welcoming place for all. 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,\u201d the statement said.For years the right coalesced around the case of an evangelical Christian website designer who did not want to provide services to same sex couples. The Supreme Court voted in her favor in 2023.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"