Mark Fitzpatrick, owner of the Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho, has said he is receiving death threats after offering free beer to customers who help US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deport undocumented migrants.
The promotion, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on 29 November, read: “ALERT: Anyone who helps ICE identify and ultimately deport an illegal from Idaho gets FREE BEER FOR ONE MONTH at Old State Saloon!” It was seen by eight million people after being reposted by the Department of Homeland Security.
Fitzpatrick told Fox News Digital the abuse has been “really, really despicable,” with people saying he should die and threatening to burn down his business. He added that he has also received “overwhelming support” from conservatives.
The saloon has previously held a “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” in response to Pride and offers a “Make America Great Again Signature Cocktail Menu.” Other promotions include “Manly American Mondays” and “Ladies’ ‘I’m Telling’ Tuesdays” for women who “tattle” on migrants.
Fitzpatrick said the threats are all online and that he would be willing to talk with detractors. He described the issue as “not really about beers” but about drawing attention to the broader immigration debate.
