An Idaho bar owner is receiving both widespread support and intense backlash after launching a promotion offering free beer to customers who help Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identify and report illegal immigrants.
Mark Fitzpatrick, owner of the Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho, posted the promotion on X on November 29.
As Slay News previously reported, the post went viral, generating nearly eight million views.
ALERT: Anyone who helps ICE identify and ultimately deport an illegal from Idaho gets FREE BEER FOR ONE MONTH at Old State Saloon!
— Old State Saloon (@OldStateSaloon) November 29, 2025
The Department of Homeland Security later reposted it, further amplifying the reaction online.
https://t.co/NhEdvnUJ3H pic.twitter.com/moA5zbJXjo
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) November 29, 2025
Fitzpatrick says the attention has brought everything from supportive messages to threats of arson and death.
“We really aren’t strangers to speaking out boldly about conservative Christian values and truth,” Fitzpatrick told Fox News, saying that taking public positions invites anger “in a world with deception and evil.”
Fitzpatrick has a history of provocative promotions.
In 2024, he created “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month,” offering discounts and free beer for heterosexual individuals and couples as a response to Pride Month.
He said the latest promotion was his response to what he described as four years of immigration policies under former President Joe Biden that he believes have encouraged criminal migration.
His intent, he said, was to highlight and publicly support the work of ICE.
The reaction, however, quickly escalated.
Fitzpatrick said he has received hostile messages, including threats to burn down his business.
He shared screenshots of online exchanges showing critics denouncing the bar’s conservative stance.
“People are just outright saying I should die for this,” he said.
“It’s really, really despicable.”
Despite the threats, Fitzpatrick said he remains open to dialogue.
He said critics would find that “if any of those liberals actually came in and were willing to talk,” they would meet someone ready to listen and discuss the issue.
He also said the backlash has only hardened his resolve.
The saloon has continued rolling out themed promotions, including “Manly American Monday,” offering a free beer to men who support ICE, a Tuesday special awarding free beer to women who report illegal immigrants, and a Wednesday discount for heterosexual couples.
Fitzpatrick said the attacks reveal the level of hostility surrounding the immigration debate, but noted that many people have shown support by sending cards, letters, and visiting the saloon.
“At my saloon… people are there just to come in and meet me and support me and encourage me,” he said.
Fitzpatrick said he doesn’t expect many people to redeem the offer, but confirmed that at least one person, Ryan Spoon, vice chair of the Ada County Republican Central Committee, received a free beer after providing documentation that he assisted ICE in making an arrest.
He emphasized that the promotion is meant to draw attention, not drive business.
“I think the way it’s working is it’s drawing attention to the issue, and conversations are happening,” he said.
READ MORE – Homeland Security Warns Criminal Illegal Aliens Are Shielded from Justice in NYC
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