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FIRST ON FOX: The Trump administration demanded answers from 7-Eleven’s COO following an altercation where U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino and federal agents were denied service at a Minneapolis gas station in late January.
Michael Lynch, deputy administrator of the General Services Administration, sent a letter to Doug Rosencrans, 7-Eleven’s COO, on Feb. 5 requesting any information from a potential internal investigation into the altercation.
Lynch noted that a federal government partnership could be in jeopardy between the Trump administration and the world’s largest international chain of convenience stores.
“As 7-Eleven, Inc./Speedway LLC locations accept the GSA SmartPay fleet card for fuel and other authorized purchases on behalf of Federal fleets —i ncluding those operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security — these actions raise concerns about the ability of Federal vehicle operators to access necessary fuel and services at convenient locations,” the letter reads.
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The Trump administration is demanding answers from 7-Eleven after a Border Patrol commander and federal agents were allegedly denied service at a Minnesota gas station, raising concerns about access to fuel for federal fleets. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)
A viral video captured by conservative activist Cam Higby posted on Jan. 21 shows Bovino leaving a Speedway gas station, a chain which is owned by parent company 7-Eleven, followed by a manager who said, “I don’t support ICE, and nobody here does.”
GSA said in the letter that “the reported refusal appears to have encompassed both in-store purchases and potential fuel transactions.”
According to the GSA’s website, the Fleet Card is issued “to pay for fuel and maintenance for your GSA Fleet-leased vehicle,” and says the card is accepted at 95% of U.S. fuel stations in all 50 states, U.S. territories and Canada.
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It is a mandatory requirement for all non-tactical federal vehicles to be purchased through the GSA’s Fleet program.
USBP Cmdr. Gregory K. Bovino walks out of a gas station in Minnesota. (Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images)
GSA also requested information related to training or policies that 7-Eleven has regarding the acceptance of fleet cards.
The denial is just one of many from venues whose owners and managers have tied their personal, political views to their businesses.
Earlier this year, the GSA removed a Hampton Inn Lakeville in Minneapolis from the list of approved lodging locations for federal employees after immigration agents were denied stay even after Hilton’s corporate leadership said the issue had been resolved.
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A McDonald’s in downtown Minneapolis also brandished a sign on the front door saying ICE and CBP agents were not welcome at the fast-food restaurant. McDonald’s corporate arm later told Fox News Digital that it had instructed the franchisee to remove it.
A letter from the General Services Administration warns that a reported refusal of service to ICE agents at a 7-Eleven-owned Speedway location could jeopardize the company’s partnership to accept government fleet payment cards. (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
At one restaurant near the site near where Renee Good was killed, a sign denying immigration agents was bright and bold on the front door, and employees inside the breakfast spot were wearing clothing with anti-ICE messaging.
While 7-Eleven did not respond to Fox News Digital’s inquiry regarding the letter from the Trump administration requesting information, the GSA noted that it would consider stripping the massive chain of its Fleet program partnership.
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“GSA values its partnerships with merchants who support Federal operations and appreciates your prompt attention to this inquiry,” the agency said in the letter. “Timely cooperation will assist in determining whether any program-related actions are warranted and in ensuring continued reliable service for Federal fleets.”
Fox News’ Charles Creitz contributed to this report
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