A chilling fear has gripped the hospitality industry in St. Paul, Minnesota, as two major hotels, the DoubleTree and the InterContinental Riverfront, have temporarily shut their doors. This unprecedented move is a direct response to the heightened concerns for the safety and security of hotel workers, as stated by Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, the owner of both establishments.
The local hospitality union, UNITE HERE Local 17, which represents approximately 6,000 workers across the state, many of whom are in the hotel industry, has expressed deep worries. Christa Sarrack, the union's president, paints a grim picture: "I've never witnessed such pervasive fear in our community as I do now."
Both hotels closed on Sunday, and while the owners have not officially linked the closures to immigration enforcement activities, union leaders claim that workers have voiced their concerns. Sarrack suggests that the presence of ICE agents in the vicinity, coupled with guest fears and group cancellations, led to the decision to close.
"There were rumors of ICE agents staying at the hotels, but we haven't received confirmation," Sarrack said. "The fear is palpable, even among those with proper documentation. Many hotels have strict documentation policies, so it's not just undocumented workers who are staying home. It's workers from all backgrounds who feel targeted because of their skin color."
The impact of this situation is far-reaching, especially in an industry largely comprised of immigrant workers. Union leaders warn that removing these hard-working individuals could have long-lasting effects. Sarrack emphasizes, "Replacing these workers will be a challenge."
Additionally, Sarrack revealed that union members have been detained at MSP Airport, despite having citizenship status and undergoing extensive background checks. "The fear is very real, and it's amplified by constant exposure to social media. People don't want to take the risk of going outside."
To support affected families, the union is providing groceries and transportation. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reached out to Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures three times for further clarification on the closures and their potential connection to immigration enforcement, but the company has not responded as of publication.
This story raises important questions: How do we balance national security concerns with the rights and well-being of immigrant workers? What are the long-term effects of such actions on the hospitality industry and the wider community? Join the discussion in the comments and share your thoughts on this controversial issue.
