Two prominent St. Paul hotels have temporarily closed their operations, citing elevated safety and security concerns. The closures, effective Sunday, January 18, 2026, come after reports surfaced that federal immigration agents had booked rooms at the establishments, leading to threats against hotel staff.
The affected hotels are the St. Paul Downtown Doubletree by Hilton and the Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront. Both properties are managed by Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures.
Key Takeaways
- Two St. Paul hotels closed temporarily on January 18, 2026.
- The closures are due to safety and security threats.
- ICE agents reportedly had reservations at these hotels.
- Hotel management cited staff safety as the primary reason for closure.
- Guests are being relocated and compensated for inconvenience.
Hotel Management Prioritizes Staff Safety
Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures confirmed the temporary suspension of operations. The company released a statement explaining the decision. It emphasized that the safety and security of both guests and employees remain their top priority.
Reports from a FOX News correspondent, Bill Melugin, indicated that multiple ICE agents had reservations at both the Doubletree and Intercontinental locations. A letter obtained by Melugin, sent to agents with bookings, explained the temporary closure was due to public safety concerns. All reservations were subsequently canceled.
Key Fact
The closures began at noon on Sunday, January 18, 2026, affecting all guests with reservations, not just federal agents.
An agent reportedly spoke with a front desk manager at the Intercontinental St. Paul. The manager stated the closure was specifically to protect staff. The hotel had received threats from unknown individuals regarding the lodging of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents.
Impact on Guests and Accommodations
The temporary closures have led to inconvenience for many travelers. Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures is actively contacting all affected guests. They are offering alternative accommodations at other properties at no additional charge.
Furthermore, the hotels are issuing full refunds for canceled reservations. They are also covering the cost of one night's stay at another hotel, matching the original booked rate. This move aims to mitigate the disruption caused to guests.
"We have made the decision to temporarily suspend operations at two of our St. Paul hotels – Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront and Doubletree St. Paul Downtown – in response to elevated safety and security concerns." - Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures
Community Reactions and Protests
The closures coincide with ongoing protests related to ICE operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. On the same Sunday, postal workers held a rally in Minneapolis. Members of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 9 (NALC) participated in the demonstration.
The postal workers demanded that ICE agents refrain from using postal property for their operations. They specifically cited instances where postal parking lots were used as staging areas during previous operations in Minneapolis. This highlights broader community tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement.
Background
Tensions surrounding ICE operations have been escalating in Minnesota. Previous incidents include a Department of Justice investigation into an anti-ICE protest at a St. Paul church, and reports of a St. Paul Public Works employee being illegally detained by ICE.
Wider Implications and Federal Response
The situation in St. Paul reflects a growing national debate regarding federal immigration enforcement. Public sentiment and local actions are increasingly influencing the operational capabilities of agencies like ICE.
Beyond the hotel closures, the federal government has shown readiness to respond to these tensions. Former President Trump had reportedly prepared to deploy 1,500 troops to Minnesota amid anti-ICE protests. The Department of Justice also launched an investigation into an anti-ICE protest at a St. Paul church, indicating the seriousness with which these events are being viewed at a federal level.
The incident also brings to light the challenges faced by businesses caught in the middle of such public discourse. Hotels, by nature, serve a diverse clientele. They must balance business operations with the safety of their staff and guests, especially when faced with direct threats.
- Postal workers in Minneapolis protested against ICE operations.
- They requested ICE avoid using postal properties for staging.
- This is part of a larger pattern of community resistance to ICE.
The temporary closure of these two hotels underscores the complex interplay between federal policy, local community sentiment, and business operations. The duration of these closures remains uncertain, as does the broader impact on the hospitality sector in the Twin Cities.
