Motel 6, a place that I frequent by the way (along with McDonald’s) recently started PHOTOGRAPHING IDs at check-in, and it’s all computerized now. So where that information goes is anyone’s guess. It wouldn’t surprise me a bit of DHS gets that information immediately, along with local law enforcement, and possibly every other police agency.
In this case, it’s hard to tell how they got tipped off. I’m interested where this newspaper got their information and whether it was fed to them selectively...as in more Motel 6’s being involved (i.e., the entire chain).
As it is, as someone who’s traveled quite a internationally, every country that I’ve been to also copies passports...so this is not something unique to the world.
As to Motel 6, if word hits the street that people here illegally or legal people with outstanding warrants aren’t welcome - that only makes Motel 6 a better place to stay.
A Motel 6 I stay at quite frequently just did that with me last week. It must be a new corporate policy.
As long as they are clean, I don't mind staying in a Motel 6. It's usually just me traveling alone for business. “Have gun will travel.”
Trust me, Motel 6 does not want this news out. Their income is dependent on renting rooms to people willing to pay $$. They have absolutely no reason to care about your status of citizenship.