A bar in Eagle, Idaho, is drawing national attention after offering a month of free beer to anyone who helps federal immigration agents locate and deport undocumented migrants.
The Old State Saloon announced the promotion on X, saying people who provide photos, videos, documents, or other evidence that leads Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to an undocumented person will receive free beer for one month.
Highlights
- Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho offers free beer for a month to anyone aiding ICE in deporting undocumented migrants.
- The bar may extend free beer rewards for tips that lead to multiple migrant deportations.
- Idaho’s economy heavily depends on immigrant labor, and some warn this promotion could harm small businesses reliant on workers.
The bar added that it may give additional months of free beer if a person’s tips lead to multiple deportations.
An Idaho bar is offering a month of free beer to anyone who helps ICE agents deport undocumented migrants
Image credits: OldStateSaloon/X
The Department of Homeland Security reposted the announcement with a reaction GIF, and the bar responded with, “Let’s go! Deport them all!” Some X users even suggested the bar create a leaderboard or name a “Deporter of the Year.”
At least one person has already claimed the reward. Ryan Spoon, vice chair of the Ada County Republican Central Committee, told Newsweek, “Yes, I did! I had a free Moon Dog Amber Ale at the Old State Saloon…and a great chat with the owner, Mark Fitzpatrick, whom I also consider a friend.”
Spoon has previously publicly called for immigration raids on the GOP’s rival, State Representative Stephanie Mickelsen's farm. After he alleged the employment of undocumented workers, one employee was arrested.
Idaho relies heavily on immigrant labor, especially in agriculture and dairy. A University of Idaho report estimates that about 35,000 undocumented immigrants support key industries, contributing tens of millions of dollars to the state economy.
Some business advocates warn that encouraging deportations could harm small employers.
“The free beer sounds great. But the informer shouldn’t be entitled to it unless they are also willing to take the job the undocumented person is doing. Otherwise, they are simply hurting another small business that needs that worker,” Frank Knapp, Managing Director at the Secure Growth Initiative, told Newsweek.
Image credits: Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images
The bar has welcomed the negative press. It posted screenshots of new one-star reviews, calling the critics “loser LEFT.” The bar also expanded the promotion, saying it would give a free beer to any undocumented person who chooses to self-deport.
Owner Mark Fitzpatrick is no stranger to controversy. In 2024, he promoted “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month,” offering discounts and free drinks for heterosexual customers during June in response to Pride Month.
The saloon offers merchandise on its store website, including shirts that say “Make America Straight Again.”