Idaho Bar Owner Faces Death Threats After Offering Free Beer for ICE Assistance
BOISE, Idaho — Mark Fitzpatrick, owner of the Old State Saloon in Idaho, has found himself at the center of a heated national debate after launching a controversial promotion offering free beer to anyone who helps Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identify and deport undocumented immigrants. The promotion, which went viral after being posted on social media on November 29, has drawn millions of views and sparked both intense support and vehement outrage.
The saloon’s offer, which Fitzpatrick described as a show of support for law enforcement, was shared nearly 8 million times and was even reposted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While some praised the initiative as a bold stand for immigration enforcement, others responded with threats and calls for violence against Fitzpatrick and his business.
“At Old State Saloon, we really aren’t strangers to speaking out boldly about conservative Christian values and truth,” Fitzpatrick told Fox News Digital. “Speaking in a world with deception and evil causes people to get really upset.” He said the bar had faced backlash before, notably in 2024 when it launched “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month,” a counter-promotion to Pride Month offering discounts and free beer to heterosexual patrons.
Fitzpatrick said his latest promotion was motivated by his opposition to former President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, which he described as “a complete disaster” that encouraged “some of the worst of the worst people in the world to come into this country.” He emphasized that the promotion was intended to support the efforts of law enforcement and ICE agents.
However, the response online quickly turned hostile. Fitzpatrick revealed that he and his family have been subjected to “disgusting” messages and voicemails, including threats to burn down the saloon and calls for his death. “People are just outright saying I should die for this,” he said. “It’s really, really despicable.”
Despite the threats, Fitzpatrick remains defiant and invited critics to visit his establishment. “If any of those liberals actually came in and were willing to talk,” he said, “they would meet someone who would sit down with them and listen to what they have to say.”
The promotion comes amid a broader national conversation about immigration enforcement and public safety. According to the Department of Homeland Security’s immigration statistics, enforcement efforts have intensified in recent years, accompanied by a rise in threats against ICE officers. The DHS recently warned of “unprecedented violence” targeting immigration officials, highlighting an 8,000% increase in death threats against ICE personnel.
Fitzpatrick’s promotion and the reactions it has provoked underscore the deep divisions over immigration policy in the United States. While some view his offer as a patriotic gesture supporting the rule of law, others see it as inflammatory and divisive.
As the debate continues, Fitzpatrick remains steadfast in his beliefs. “What liberals want to do is attack you,” he said. “They go on attack and start calling you names. But I’m not backing down.”
The Old State Saloon’s viral promotion and the ensuing controversy illustrate how immigration remains a flashpoint in American politics, with passionate voices on all sides of the issue.
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