An Idaho saloon has drawn national attention by offering a month of free beer to patrons who assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in deporting illegal aliens, a campaign that has sparked both support and outrage.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reportedly amplified the initiative by resharing the bar’s announcement on X.
The promotion, launched by the Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho, encourages participants to provide evidence of their help in ICE operations.
According to the bar’s post, “ALERT: Anyone who helps ICE identify and ultimately deport an illegal from Idaho gets FREE BEER FOR ONE MONTH at Old State Saloon!”
Individuals who contribute to multiple deportations may qualify for additional free-beer months.
To claim the reward, patrons must submit documentation, including photos, videos, or other proof, to a designated email address. The bar emphasized that submissions must be verifiable and tied to actual deportation actions conducted by ICE.
The initiative has already produced a first winner.
Ryan Spoon, vice chair of the Ada County Republican Central Committee, reportedly supplied evidence leading to an arrest and became the first recipient of the free-beer reward, according to a post by the saloon.
Community reaction has been sharply divided, Just the News noted.
Some residents praised the saloon for supporting law enforcement efforts, while others condemned the promotion and called for boycotts.
Reports indicate that social media platforms have removed related posts, though the bar continues to share updates on X.
Some critics have raised ethical concerns about incentivizing citizens with alcohol to assist in deportations, suggesting it could encourage actions outside formal authority.
Winners can select from a broad array of options, including 20 draft beers and more than 30 bottled or canned varieties, according to The Daily Caller.
It remains unclear whether participants can exchange the prize for items from the bar’s “Make America Great Again Signature Cocktail Menu,” which is publicly listed on its website.
The offer comes amid a significant uptick in ICE activity within Idaho.
Data compiled by Idaho Capital Sun shows arrests in the state increased from 41 during the first half of 2024 to 368 in the same period of 2025, representing nearly an eightfold rise.
Detentions have similarly climbed, reflecting a heightened federal enforcement presence.
Federal law limits deportation authority to ICE or law enforcement officials authorized under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
While private citizens can report suspected violations, they are not legally permitted to make arrests or remove individuals.
This legal framework has prompted debate over whether a private reward program encouraging citizen participation in deportations is appropriate.
Supporters of the bar’s initiative argue that it represents constructive civic engagement with federal immigration enforcement, rewarding residents who assist law enforcement in maintaining public safety.
Critics, however, contend that offering alcohol as an incentive blurs the line between lawful reporting and vigilante-style action.
By blending federal endorsement, private incentives and public debate, the Old State Saloon has created a highly visible example of local engagement in immigration policy.
The bar has indicated it will continue accepting submissions, ensuring the story remains an ongoing intersection of legal, social and political dynamics and prompting broader conversations about citizen involvement in immigration enforcement.
