Idaho saloon owner Mark Fitzpatrick has found himself at the center of a storm after his establishment, the Old State Saloon, launched a provocative promotion offering “free beer” to those who assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the identification and deportation of undocumented immigrants. The initiative has garnered both commendation and condemnation.
On November 29, the saloon’s promotion made waves on the social media platform X, racking up nearly 8 million views. The post caught the attention of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which shared it, further amplifying the reaction. The response has been a mix of enthusiastic support and vehement criticism, with some even threatening to destroy the business or harm Fitzpatrick.
“At Old State Saloon, we’re accustomed to boldly defending conservative Christian values and truth,” Fitzpatrick explained to Fox News Digital. He emphasized that in a world rife with “deception” and “evil,” taking a stand can provoke strong reactions.
Fitzpatrick is no stranger to controversy. Back in 2024, he introduced “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month,” offering discounts and free drinks to heterosexual individuals and couples throughout June as a counter to Pride Month celebrations.
The saloon’s latest campaign was motivated by what Fitzpatrick describes as four years of problematic immigration policies under former President Joe Biden. He criticizes these policies for allegedly encouraging “some of the worst individuals” to enter the United States.
Although the intention behind the promotion was to support ICE and law enforcement efforts, it quickly became a lightning rod for criticism online. The saloon has shared several contentious social media interactions with those opposing its conservative stance.
“What liberals want to do is they attack you,” he said. “They go on attack and they start calling you names.“
Idaho bar owner Mark Fitzpatrick launched a promotion offering “free beer” to anyone who helps Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identify and deport an illegal immigrant. He received praise and backlash after the promo went viral. (Getty Images and Fox News Digital)
Fitzpatrick said his family has been threatened, and he has received “disgusting” messages and voicemails, including threats to torch his saloon.
“People are just outright saying I should die for this,” he said. “It’s really, really despicable.“
Fitzpatrick urged anyone dismissing his promotion to visit his bar, asserting that “if any of those liberals actually came in and were willing to talk,” they would meet someone who “would sit down with them and talk and listen to what they have to say.”
Old State Saloon offered deals to celebrate “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” in June 2024. (Old State Saloon)
Fitzpatrick remains unfazed, saying the negative comments only make him want to “double down.” His saloon has also continued to offer new promotions throughout the month, including “Manly American Monday,” where men who support ICE get a free beer just for walking through the door.
The bar also offers free beer on Tuesdays to ladies who “tattle” on illegal immigrants by calling ICE, along with a Wednesday special shaving 10% of the bill for heterosexual couples.
“The way I look at it is they’re kind of disclosing like their wickedness right to us in public and showing us who they are,” Fitzpatrick said in reference to the online attacks and threats he’s received.
An Idaho bar offered patrons free beer on Nov. 29 if they help Immigration and Customs Enforcement track down and deport an illegal immigrant. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images;Istock)
Fitzpatrick has also received “overwhelming support,” including encouraging mail and cards, amid the negativity and threats.
“At my saloon when I’m there after a long day of dealing with just wickedness and all the calls and everything else, people are there and they’re there just to come in and meet me and support me and encourage me,” he said.
Fitzpatrick does not expect many patrons to claim their freebie, but he did say that Ryan Spoon, vice chair of the Ada County Republican Central Committee in Idaho, claimed his after he provided evidence that he helped ICE make an arrest.
The Old State Saloon offered free beer to patrons who assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with deporting illegal migrants. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Fitzpatrick added that the promotion is “not really about beers.”
“I think the way it’s working is it’s drawing attention to the issue and conversations are happening,” he said.
