Mark Fitzpatrick, owner of an Idaho bar, has found himself at the center of a storm after launching a polarizing promotion. His offer of “free beer” to patrons who assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in identifying and deporting illegal immigrants has sparked both acclaim and outrage.

The promotion from The Old State Saloon, posted on X on November 29, quickly went viral, amassing nearly 8 million views. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) even shared the post, leading to a surge of attention that included both support and severe backlash, with threats of arson and violence against Fitzpatrick.

“At Old State Saloon, we are no strangers to voicing strong conservative Christian values,” Fitzpatrick shared with Fox News Digital. He noted that in a world filled with “deception” and “evil,” their forthrightness tends to provoke intense reactions.

Fitzpatrick’s bar first courted controversy back in 2024 with its “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month.” This initiative, offering discounts and free beer to heterosexual patrons during June, was a direct response to Pride Month celebrations.

The bar owner explained that his current promotion was a reaction to the immigration policies of President Joe Biden, which he described as a “complete disaster.” Fitzpatrick believes these policies have encouraged “some of the worst of the worst people” to enter the United States.

While his promotion was meant to promote the efforts of law enforcement and ICE, Fitzpatrick said it was quickly attacked online, and the saloon has posted several social media exchanges this week with individuals strongly disagreeing with its conservative ideology.

“What liberals want to do is they attack you,” he said. “They go on attack and they start calling you names.“

Idaho bar owner Mark Fitzpatrick launched a promotion offering “free beer” to anyone who helps Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identify and deport an illegal immigrant. He received praise and backlash after the promo went viral. (Getty Images and Fox News Digital)

Fitzpatrick said his family has been threatened, and he has received “disgusting” messages and voicemails, including threats to torch his saloon.

“People are just outright saying I should die for this,” he said. “It’s really, really despicable.“

Fitzpatrick urged anyone dismissing his promotion to visit his bar, asserting that “if any of those liberals actually came in and were willing to talk,” they would meet someone who “would sit down with them and talk and listen to what they have to say.”

Old State Saloon offered deals to celebrate “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” in June 2024. (Old State Saloon)

Fitzpatrick remains unfazed, saying the negative comments only make him want to “double down.” His saloon has also continued to offer new promotions throughout the month, including “Manly American Monday,” where men who support ICE get a free beer just for walking through the door.

The bar also offers free beer on Tuesdays to ladies who “tattle” on illegal immigrants by calling ICE, along with a Wednesday special shaving 10% of the bill for heterosexual couples.

“The way I look at it is they’re kind of disclosing like their wickedness right to us in public and showing us who they are,” Fitzpatrick said in reference to the online attacks and threats he’s received.

An Idaho bar offered patrons free beer on Nov. 29 if they help Immigration and Customs Enforcement track down and deport an illegal immigrant. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images;Istock)

Fitzpatrick has also received “overwhelming support,” including encouraging mail and cards, amid the negativity and threats.

“At my saloon when I’m there after a long day of dealing with just wickedness and all the calls and everything else, people are there and they’re there just to come in and meet me and support me and encourage me,” he said.

Fitzpatrick does not expect many patrons to claim their freebie, but he did say that Ryan Spoon, vice chair of the Ada County Republican Central Committee in Idaho, claimed his after he provided evidence that he helped ICE make an arrest.

The Old State Saloon offered free beer to patrons who assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with deporting illegal migrants. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Fitzpatrick added that the promotion is “not really about beers.”

“I think the way it’s working is it’s drawing attention to the issue and conversations are happening,” he said.