Ratting on guests costs Motel 6 big

Motel 6 has reached a $7.6 million settlement with Hispanic guests whose privacy it violated by providing guest lists to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

The chain also agreed to a twoyear consent decree that prohibits the sharing of guest data with ICE without warrants, subpoenas, or threats of serious crime or harm, Reuters reported. The agreement still requires court approval.

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund filed a lawsuit in January after the Phoenix New Times reported that ICE had arrested 20 people of a six-month period at Motel 6s in Arizona based on guest information provided by the chain.

“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,” Motel 6 and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund said in a joint statement.

Individuals who faced immigration removal proceedings are eligible to receive at least $7,500 each, according to Reuters. Guests who were questioned by immigration authorities are entitled to $1,000.

Guests whose information was provided to immigration authorities will receive $50 each, according to the report.

Motel 6 will also cover up to $1.3 million in plaintiffs’ legal fees.