In Minneapolis, a recent event has sparked a chain of administrative actions aimed at safeguarding the operational readiness of federal agencies. On a cold January day, U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino and other federal personnel faced an unexpected hurdle: they were reportedly denied service at a 7‑Eleven convenience store, a refusal that could have broader implications for federal operations.
The incident, which occurred at a Speedway station—a part of the 7‑Eleven family—was captured on video by conservative activist Cam Higby and showed agents departing the premises after a manager allegedly expressed opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The General Services Administration (GSA), which oversees the GSA SmartPay Fleet program that provides a Fleet card used by federal agencies for fuel and maintenance purchases, was quick to respond.
Michael Lynch, deputy administrator of the GSA, addressed a letter on February 5 to Doug Rosencrans, chief operating officer of 7‑Eleven’s U.S. operations. Lynch requested details of any internal review or investigation relating to the episode, as reported by Fox News. He highlighted the risk to the partnership between GSA and the international chain if federal vehicles could not reliably access fuel and other authorized services at participating locations.
The GSA SmartPay Fleet program is vital for federal agencies, with the Fleet card accepted at approximately 95 percent of U.S. fueling stations, covering all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Canada. The program's success hinges on merchant compliance, which is essential for mission readiness.
This isn't an isolated case. Similar reports have emerged where private businesses allegedly denied service to federal law enforcement personnel. In one instance, a Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, was removed from GSA's approved lodging list after immigration agents were turned away. A McDonald’s franchise in downtown Minneapolis reportedly posted a sign barring ICE and CBP personnel, which was later instructed to be removed by corporate officials.
Legal experts point out that while businesses may have the right to refuse service, such actions could impede federal operations and compromise public safety. The Trump administration has underscored the importance of uninterrupted access to fuel and other services as critical to operational readiness and public safety.
The GSA's letter to 7‑Eleven also inquired about company policies, staff training, and procedures regarding Fleet card acceptance, signaling a concern that employees may not fully understand their contractual obligations when serving federal fleet clients. The agency emphasized the need for timely cooperation to determine whether any program-related actions are warranted and to ensure continued reliable service for federal vehicles.
7‑Eleven has yet to publicly respond to the request for comment regarding the GSA letter. The agency has stated it will consider whether program-related actions are necessary and stressed that merchant accountability is key to maintaining mission-critical services for federal fleets.
The Trump administration's response to the Minneapolis incident is part of a broader effort to enforce compliance among commercial partners and prevent political or personal objections from interfering with federal operations. As agencies rely on private infrastructure for fuel, lodging, and other essentials, the administration is determined to hold vendors accountable for ensuring uninterrupted service.
