Motel 6 locations in Phoenix have been regularly calling Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) on guests they think might be undocumented.

One front-desk clerk said “We send a report every morning to ICE — all the names of everybody that comes in." With every call to ICE it makes, Motel 6 is literally ruining lives. AT least 20 people have been arrested by ICE agents thanks to tips from Motel 6 staff.  

This is dehumanizing racial profiling, plain and simple. Motel 6 can’t pretend it’s a family-friendly chain when it’s helping ICE tear immigrant families apart. We have to come together now and demand Motel 6 exercise some decency and welcome all guests, regardless of immigration status.

Demand Motel 6 end racial profiling in their hotels.

The backlash against Motel 6 has been swift -- a reminder of how many of us stand together demanding human dignity and inclusion for all in the face of rising xenophobia and racism. "Frankly I only would stay at your establishment by necessity but after reading this I'd rather sleep in my car," one commenter wrote on Motel 6’s Facebook page.  

Motel 6 spokesperson Raiza Rehkoff said the practice of sending guest information to ICE “was implemented at the local level without the knowledge of senior management,” and that the practice was discontinued. But Motel 6 needs to do better and make a public promise that it will respect guests’ privacy and never disclose their information to immigration officials.   

In the face of DACA’s revocation and border wall prototype construction beginning any day, we need to stand with undocumented immigrants now more than ever. That’s why we need to make it loud and clear to Motel 6 that helping ICE tear apart families is unacceptable. Until it makes amends, it shouldn’t expect any of our business.

Call on Motel 6 to make a public statement against racial profiling and promise to protect guests’ privacy, regardless of their immigration status.