Idaho Bar Offers Free Beer for Reporting Undocumented Immigrants

Old State Saloon, a bar located in Eagle, Idaho, has initiated a controversial promotion offering free beer for one month to individuals who assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants. The bar's owner, Mark Fitzpatrick, announced that those who provide evidence such as photos or videos to help ICE locate undocumented individuals can qualify for the reward. The promotion has garnered significant attention online, with the potential for multiple months of free beer if multiple deportations occur.

Newsweek

Ryan Spoon, vice chair of the Ada County Republican Central Committee, publicly supported the initiative and confirmed he received a free beer as a reward. Spoon has previously advocated for immigration raids, notably calling for action against State Representative Stephanie Mickelsen's farm, which led to ICE visiting the farm and arresting an employee. Fitzpatrick, the bar owner, has also attracted attention for past promotions, including a "Heterosexual Awesomeness Month" in response to Pride Month.

Newsweek

The promotion comes amid a backdrop of significant economic reliance on immigrant labor in Idaho. A report from the University of Idaho estimates that approximately 35,000 undocumented immigrants contribute to key sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, and construction, generating tens of millions of dollars for the state. In the dairy industry, the Idaho Dairymen's Association indicates that around 90 percent of workers are foreign-born, highlighting the potential economic ramifications of increased deportations.

Newsweek

The promotion has faced backlash from various groups and individuals. Frank Knapp, Managing Director at the Secure Growth Initiative, expressed concern that rewarding informants could harm small businesses that depend on undocumented workers. He stated, "The informer shouldn’t be entitled to it unless they are also willing to take the job the undocumented person is doing." The bar's response to criticism included sharing screenshots of negative reviews on its Google Business page, indicating a willingness to embrace the backlash.

Newsweek

The Department of Homeland Security shared the bar's announcement on social media, indicating a level of official acknowledgment of the promotion. Old State Saloon responded to the criticism with a post on X, stating, "Let’s go! Deport them all!" This reflects the bar's alignment with certain conservative viewpoints that support stricter immigration enforcement.

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,” — Ryan Spoon, Vice Chair, Ada County Republican Central Committee

Newsweek

• “But the informer shouldn’t be entitled to it unless they are also willing to take the job the undocumented person is doing.” — Frank Knapp, Managing Director, Secure Growth Initiative

Newsweek

The promotion by Old State Saloon has sparked a heated debate about immigration enforcement and its implications for local economies. As the bar continues to promote its offer, the broader impact on Idaho's immigrant workforce and community dynamics remains to be seen.

Newsweek