The Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho, has become a hotbed for controversy with its latest promotional offer: free beer for anyone who helps Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) locate and deport illegal aliens.
An Unconventional Offer
This audacious campaign is not the bar’s first foray into contentious territory; it previously launched “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” during Pride Month, sparking intense reactions. The current offer of free beer has once again put the bar at the center of a heated national debate.
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 promotional offer, announced on the bar’s social media, promises a month of free beer to anyone who provides evidence and assists ICE in deporting illegal aliens from Idaho. The details include sending emails with evidence such as photos, videos, and event summaries. This initiative has struck a chord with many, particularly on social media, and has led to a flurry of reactions, both supportive and critical.
Supporters and Critics Clash
The Department of Homeland Security amplified the bar’s offer by reposting it with a humorous GIF, resulting in millions of views. The backlash from left-wing groups was swift, with many accusing the bar of promoting vigilantism and racism. Despite the criticism, some individuals and organizations have expressed support for the bar’s stance, arguing it aligns with the enforcement of immigration laws and American values.
Ryan Spoon, vice chair of the Ada County Republican Central Committee, became the campaign’s first big winner, highlighting the political dimensions of the issue. Spoon’s previous calls for immigration raids on local farms further underscore the complex interplay between regional politics and national immigration debates.
Social Media’s Role
Social media platforms have been instrumental in spreading the bar’s message and the ensuing backlash. The Old State Saloon has actively engaged with detractors online, reposting negative comments and reviews to highlight the debate’s polarizing nature. The bar’s responses, often humorous or defiant, have only further fueled the controversy, drawing more attention and engagement from both sides of the political spectrum.
.@SpoonForIdaho is our first big winner of the month of free BEER. Check out the story here of a hero who helped get a dangerous illegal deported. pic.twitter.com/kYsOUNa0Sr
— Old State Saloon (@OldStateSaloon) December 1, 2025
This digital engagement illustrates how social media can amplify local stories into national discussions, turning a small-town bar into a symbol of larger societal issues. The Old State Saloon’s promotion and its reception reflect broader tensions in American society regarding immigration, identity, and free speech.
Beyond the Beer
The implications of this promotion extend beyond the offer of free beer. By tying alcohol to immigration enforcement, the Old State Saloon has created a unique and contentious intersection of social policy and consumer culture. This gesture raises questions about the ethics of incentivizing civic action with commercial rewards, particularly in sensitive areas such as immigration.
While the bar continues to defend its campaign, the broader conversation it has sparked shows no signs of abating. As protests are planned and debates rage on, the Old State Saloon serves as a case study in how businesses can become flashpoints in cultural and political battles. Whether this strategy will ultimately benefit or harm the establishment remains to be seen, but it undeniably underscores the power of provocative marketing in today’s hyper-connected world.