The DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown St. Paul abruptly closed its doors to guests today, ordering everyone to check out by noon. The hotel cited “heightened public safety concerns” as the reason, a move that underscores the escalating tensions in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area over federal immigration enforcement.
Pressure on Hospitality Amid Unrest
The closure is not isolated. Hotels throughout the region are facing increasing pressure due to ongoing protests and a perceived association with federal agents. Some establishments have reportedly housed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel, making them targets for demonstrators and vandalism. This has led to a heightened sense of risk for both guests and property owners.
The DoubleTree offered two options to displaced guests: a full refund for the previous night’s stay, or assistance in securing alternative accommodations at the same rate for the first night. This suggests the hotel aimed to mitigate liability and potential damage rather than offering a prolonged solution. Booking platforms currently show the hotel closed through January 21st, though the situation remains fluid.
Escalating Confrontations Over Immigration Policy
The unrest stems from sustained confrontations over federal immigration operations, specifically “Operation Metro Surge.” The fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7th further inflamed tensions. Protests have directly impacted downtown hotels, with crowds breaching security at the Canopy Hotel and damaging vehicles in hotel parking lots, particularly in Eagan, where many cars “associated with federal employees” were attacked.
The situation illustrates a clear pattern: hotels perceived as housing federal personnel are increasingly vulnerable to direct action from protestors.
Broader Impacts on Local Businesses
The issue extends beyond hotels. Dozens of restaurants in the area have closed, some out of fear of demonstrations and others due to concerns about their employees being targeted by immigration authorities. Several establishments now display “No ICE” signs. This fear is pervasive enough that roughly 80% of immigrant-owned businesses along key corridors in Minneapolis and St. Paul have reportedly closed within the past week.
The Department of Homeland Security recently accused a Hampton Inn of discriminatory practices after it cancelled reservations for ICE personnel. When the hotel refused to comply with Hilton’s requests to change its behavior, it was removed from the chain.
The abrupt closure of the DoubleTree, combined with broader business closures, highlights the severe impact of immigration enforcement tensions on the Minneapolis-St. Paul economy and public safety. The situation underscores the growing friction between federal operations, local protests, and the hospitality industry caught in the middle.
