By Billal RahmanShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberA bar in Eagle, Idaho, has announced that anyone who helps Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identify and deport undocumented immigrants from Idaho will receive "free beer for one month."
The offer from Old State Saloon, shared on X, says that if someone provides evidence such as photos, videos, or other documentation to help ICE locate migrants without legal status, they qualify for a month of free beer. The bar also said it "may award multiple months" of free beer if multiple deportations occur.
Ryan Spoon, vice chair of the Ada County Republican Central Committee in Idaho, told Newsweek that he received the reward.
"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 told Newsweek.
Why It Matters
The Trump administration’s mass-deportation plans mark a significant shift in immigration enforcement, with potential effects on millions of undocumented immigrants, their families, and the communities in which they live. Supporters argue the stricter measures could strengthen border security and uphold existing immigration laws, while critics contend ICE raids lead to federal overreach, racial profiling, economic disruption, and the targeting of vulnerable populations.
What To Know
The bar’s offer has drawn significant attention online. The Department of Homeland Security reposted the bar’s announcement with a reaction GIF, before the bar responded with "Let’s go! Deport them all!"
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Spoon previously made headlines when he publicly called for immigration raids on State Representative Stephanie Mickelsen's farm, alleging the employment of undocumented workers. Days later, immigration agents visited Mickelsen Farms, leading to the arrest of one employee.
Immigrant labor plays a key role in Idaho's economy, particularly in agriculture. A University of Idaho report estimates that 35,000 undocumented immigrants support key industries such as agriculture, hospitality, and construction, contributing tens of millions of dollars to the state’s economy. In the dairy sector, the Idaho Dairymen's Association reports that roughly 90 percent of workers are foreign-born.
...The Secure Growth Initiative, a national coalition representing more than 100,000 small businesses, expressed caution about the promotion.
"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.
Old State Saloon appeared to lean into the backlash, sharing screenshots of new one-star reviews posted to its Google Business page, saying, "And the 1 star reviews roll in from the loser LEFT."
Despite the influx of negative feedback, the bar continued promoting more offers, saying it would also provide a free beer to any undocumented person who self-deports.
The establishment is run by Fitzpatrick, who drew national attention for a 2024 promotion dubbed "Heterosexual Awesomeness Month." That campaign offered discounts and free beer to heterosexual patrons during June, in apparent response to Pride Month.
What People Are Saying
Old State Saloon wrote in a post on X: "Anyone who helps ICE identify and ultimately deport an illegal from Idaho gets FREE BEER FOR ONE MONTH at Old State Saloon!"
Conservative influencer Bo Loudon wrote in a post on X: "This is an incredible idea! This is why I love the United States!"
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