Billionaire Bill Ackman took to X to defend the Hilton hotels after it found itself in Department of Homeland Security’s crosshairs for cancellation of hotel reservations of ICE agents, which triggered a massive boycott campaign by MAGA supporters.

Ackman, whose hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management has been a long-standing investor in Hilton Worldwide Holdings, said the decision to cancel the reservation at a Hilton-affiliated establishment in Minnesota was made by a front desk manager. He added that it is not Hilton’s policy to make such cancellations.

‘Hotel managed by a franchisee’

Ackman said Hilton hotels are owned by thousands of entrepreneurs and investors around the world. “The hotel in question is managed and operated by a franchisee, not by Hilton corporate. Hilton helps market the hotel, coordinate reservations, and makes sure the hotel consistently meets the high standards it sets for its customers,” he added.

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‘Hilton has addressed the crisis’

Ackman added that Hilton has taken action and gotten in touch with the hotel owner. “Hilton takes any discriminatory actions by its franchisees with the highest degree of seriousness for obvious reasons. It, however, does not directly control the hiring and firing decisions of personnel at the hotel in question. [It’s CEO] Chris Nassetta is highly respected by US President Donald Trump and the current administration,” he further said.

What went wrong earlier?

According to the DHS, the hotel in question refused service to law enforcement agents when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers tried to book a room using official government emails.

“Hilton Hotels maliciously CANCELLED their reservations,” the @DHSgov admin fumed in the tweet. “This is UNACCEPTABLE. Why is Hilton Hotels siding with murderers and rapists to deliberately undermine and impede DHS law enforcement from their mission to enforce our nation’s immigration laws?” the agency wrote on X.

The DHS also attached receipts of the failed booking online in a series of posts which soon gained traction.

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Addressing the crisis, the Hilton hotel and Hampton Inn management company issued a statement.

“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,” it said.