Two prominent hotels in downtown St. Paul have temporarily suspended operations and stopped accepting guests, citing “elevated safety and security concerns” in the surrounding area. The closures involve the InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront and the DoubleTree St. Paul Downtown, both owned by Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures. The hotels ceased normal operations at noon on January 18, according to statements from the company.
The move comes amid sustained civil unrest and protests related to broader federal immigration enforcement activity in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. In recent weeks, demonstrations have taken place in response to actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies participating in an immigration enforcement operation across Minnesota. Protests have drawn attention locally and nationally and have included demonstrations near areas where federal personnel have been housed.
Hotel officials did not provide a specific reopening date but emphasized that guest and team member safety remains their top priority. In a public statement, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures apologized for the inconvenience and said guests with existing reservations are being contacted and offered re-accommodation at other properties at no additional cost.
Local reporting indicates that the closures and reservation cancellations were prompted by threats and heightened tensions related to the presence of federal personnel staying at these properties, including ICE agents, though the hotels framed the decision around general safety concerns rather than specific incidents.
The closures add to a series of disruptions in the region as local authorities manage protests and public safety around ongoing federal enforcement efforts. As of now, the hotels remain closed to new bookings while the situation continues to develop.