Originally Posted by
Repooc17
Sorry to hear all of the nightmare.
What if you didn't have any luggage? Would you still be held?
I would assume not. This reflects the CBP rule that you walk all of your checked luggage through customs.
BTW, has OP contacted the original hotel to explain and ask for a refund or credit toward a future stay? Many hotels will do this, but of course one needs to talk with someone having the authority to do so.