In one case, a woman and four children checked into the Motel 6 in Black Canyon when their apartment air conditioner broke. She presented a Mexican consular ID to the motel on check-in, which was photocopied.
The report said ICE agents visited the next morning, interrogated her and threatened to separate her from the children if she didn’t comply. She was also ordered to go to an ICE office for more questioning, it added.
“Plaintiffs and Motel 6 have filed a proposed settlement agreement that would resolve the lawsuit between the two parties if it is approved by the district court,” G6 Hospitality, the chain’s parent company, and MALDEF said in a joint statement.
“In September 2017, when this issue emerged, the company launched an investigation and issued a clear directive to all locations nationwide, emphasizing that the practice is prohibited. Motel 6 fully recognizes the seriousness of the situation and accepts full responsibility for both compensating those who were harmed and taking the necessary steps to ensure that we protect the privacy of our guests.”
As part of the settlement, Motel 6 will also pay up to $1.3 million for the plaintiffs’ legal fees — including $300,000 in attorney costs.
Unclaimed funds from the settlement will go to immigration-rights nonprofits approved by the court.
The settlement also instructs Motel 6 to take steps to better protect guest information.
