Minneapolis Council Reverses Hotel License Delay

- The two hotels at the center of the controversy were the Canopy by Hilton and the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot. The allegations arose during a federal immigration enforcement push known as "Operation Metro Surge." - The initial delay was triggered by testimony from some hotel workers, represented by the union Unite Here Local 17, who expressed fear and safety concerns over the presence and conduct of federal agents. However, during a public hearing, another union hotel worker testified that claims of the hotels contracting with ICE or over-pouring liquor for agents were "false and deeply damaging." - City legal staff repeatedly warned the council that there was no lawful basis to deny the license renewals and that doing so could expose Minneapolis to significant legal and financial liability. The city's licensing manager stated there was "no good cause to deny these renewals." - The five council members who voted against the license renewals were Aurin Chowdhury, Aisha Chughtai, Jason Chavez, Elliott Payne, and Robin Wonsley. They argued the council had a duty to more thoroughly investigate the public safety concerns raised by constituents and hotel staff. - Councilmember Michael Rainville, who represents the downtown ward where the hotels are located, and Councilmember Elizabeth Shaffer were among those who voted for approval. They argued that using licensing as a political tool could damage the city's business reputation and that the city should not punish businesses for their clientele. - In the weeks leading up to the vote, activists organized large "noise protests" outside hotels suspected of housing ICE agents, including the Depot and Canopy hotels, which sometimes resulted in dozens of arrests and vandalism.