An establishment in Eagle, Idaho, named the Old State Saloon, has recently come under the national spotlight for initiating a unique promotion that aligns with federal immigration enforcement efforts. The saloon has announced that individuals who assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with the deportation of undocumented immigrants from Idaho will be rewarded with a month of free beer. This controversial initiative has triggered intense debates and varying reactions across the community.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) amplified the saloon's campaign by sharing the bar's announcement on social media platforms. According to the Old State Saloon's promotional details, customers are encouraged to provide verifiable evidence such as photos, videos, or other forms of proof that directly tie their assistance to actual deportations conducted by ICE. To receive the free beer, patrons are instructed to submit this documentation to a designated email address.
The saloon has already crowned its first winner, Ryan Spoon, vice chair of the Ada County Republican Central Committee. Spoon reportedly supplied evidence leading to an arrest, earning him the promised reward. The saloon's announcement on social media platforms about Spoon's win marked the commencement of the program's outcomes.
Community reaction to the saloon's initiative has been sharply polarized. While some residents commend the establishment for supporting law enforcement and public safety efforts, others have criticized the promotion, calling for boycotts and expressing ethical concerns. Critics argue that incentivizing citizens with alcohol to participate in deportation activities could potentially lead to actions outside formal authority and encourage vigilante-style behavior.
The Old State Saloon's offer provides winners with a selection from a variety of 20 draft beers and over 30 bottled or canned options. It is currently unclear whether the reward can be exchanged for other items, such as those on the bar's "Make America Great Again Signature Cocktail Menu," which is advertised on its website.
This promotional campaign coincides with a marked increase in ICE activity within Idaho. Data shows that arrests in the state escalated from 41 in the first half of 2024 to 368 in the same period of 2025, indicating a significant uptick in federal enforcement presence. The rising figures in detentions mirror this enforcement surge.
Federal law confines deportation authority to ICE and law enforcement officials authorized under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Although private citizens can report suspected violations, they are not legally empowered to detain or deport individuals. This legal context has fueled the ongoing debate over the appropriateness of private reward programs that encourage civilian participation in immigration law enforcement.
Supporters of the initiative argue that it represents a form of positive civic engagement, rewarding residents for aiding law enforcement in maintaining order and safety. In contrast, opponents worry that offering alcohol as an incentive muddies the distinction between lawful reporting and potential overreach.
With the Old State Saloon's continued acceptance of submissions and the DHS's public endorsement, the story has become a dynamic convergence of legal, social, and political interactions. It prompts a broader conversation about the role of citizens in immigration enforcement and the implications of private incentives in public policy.
