In an 8-5 decision on Feb. 19, the Minneapolis City Council decided to renew the liquor licenses of two hotels, Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot and Canopy by Hilton Mill District, which housed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, raising the question if hotels should face retribution.
The decision came after two weeks of debate and public testimony, which split the public, 10 were in favor of the renewal, while 10 were not. The decision to renew the license came from the city council not having legal precedent to revoke it.
The debate raised questions about the types of retribution businesses should face, if any, for supporting ICE agents. The decision came at a time when Operation Metro Surge was supposed to be winding down…