EAGLE, Idaho — A post from a familiar watering hole in downtown Eagle, offering a free month of drinks to anyone who helps federal agents deport an undocumented immigrant, is sparking debate after the Department of Homeland Security shared it on its official social media account.
Old State Saloon posted on Nov. 29 that it would give “FREE BEER FOR ONE MONTH” to anyone assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in identifying and deporting “an illegal from Idaho.”
Hours later, DHS’s verified account reposted the message along with a GIF, raising questions about whether the agency is endorsing the promotion. Idaho News 6 has contacted DHS and ICE for clarification but has not received a response.
On Nov. 30, the saloon announced its first “winner,” describing the person as someone who helped get “a dangerous illegal deported.”
Legal and Policy Questions
Idaho regulates how businesses can promote and give away alcoholic beverages under Title 23 — Alcoholic Beverages of the Idaho Statutes.
Specific provisions in Title 23 and related rules from the Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control Division outline restrictions around offers of free alcohol as prizes, premiums, or inducements.
Idaho News 6 has contacted ISP's Alcohol Beverage Control Division to ask whether the Old State Saloon’s month-long free drink promotion complies with those rules. We will update this story when ABC responds.
You can read the statute here: Idaho Title 23 — Alcoholic Beverages
Idaho News 6 will update this story as more information becomes available.
This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
