Minneapolis City Council Threatens Liquor Licenses for Hotels Housing ICE Agents

Council members claim hotels that hosted federal immigration agents put public safety at risk

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Members of the Minneapolis City Council discussed denying the renewal of liquor licenses to two hotels that housed agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Some council members claimed that by housing DHS personnel, the hotels placed public safety at risk. The council declined to delay a planned Thursday vote on the liquor licenses, instead electing to carry out a one-day investigation by staff, at which point they will decide whether to allow the licenses to be renewed.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between local governments and federal immigration enforcement efforts, as well as the potential consequences for businesses caught in the middle. The council's actions raise questions about the appropriate role of local authorities in regulating businesses that interact with federal agencies.

The details

The Canopy, a hotel affiliated with Hilton, and the Depot, which is affiliated with Marriott, were the two hotels that housed ICE agents during a crackdown on illegal immigration known as Operation Metro Surge. Council members claimed that by hosting the federal agents, the hotels put public safety at risk, though no specific incidents were cited.

  • On Thursday, Border czar Tom Homan announced an end to Operation Metro Surge, which had resulted in the apprehension of over 12,000 illegal immigrants.
  • The Minneapolis City Council planned to vote on the renewal of the hotels' liquor licenses on Thursday, but instead opted to conduct a one-day investigation before making their decision.

The players

Aurin Chowdhury

A Minneapolis City Council member who questioned whether the council should take time to investigate the situation before making a decision on the liquor licenses.

Wade Luneburg

The recording secretary for Unite Here Local 17, a union that argued a liquor license is a privilege that should be reserved for businesses that prioritize public safety.

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What they’re saying

“Do we want to take a moment to do due process and investigate the situation that our constituents throughout the city have raised up as a grave concern or not?”

— Aurin Chowdhury, Minneapolis City Council member (WCCO)

“We believe that a liquor license is a privilege and that privilege should be reserved for businesses who keep the public safety in mind.”

— Wade Luneburg, Recording secretary, Unite Here Local 17 (WMSP)

What’s next

The Minneapolis City Council will conduct a one-day investigation into the hotels' hosting of ICE agents before deciding whether to renew the liquor licenses.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between local governments and federal immigration enforcement, as well as the potential consequences for businesses caught in the middle. The council's actions raise questions about the appropriate role of local authorities in regulating businesses that interact with federal agencies.