Danny Trejo Responds to Backlash Over Pro-ICE Daily Wire Film “Pawn Shop”

Actor Danny Trejo has broken his silence after facing criticism for his role in the Daily Wire’s upcoming film Pawn Shop, a project linked to commentator Ben Shapiro that portrays an ICE officer in a heroic light. In an exclusive statement to TMZ released on September 24, 2025, Trejo emphasized his Mexican heritage, his support for immigrant communities, and clarified that he is “not pro‑ICE.”

Trejo’s Statement to TMZ: Proud Mexican, Pro‑Immigrant, Not Pro‑ICE

“I am a proud Mexican who has always been and will always be a supporter of my community. I am also obviously pro‑immigrant. I am not pro‑ICE,” Trejo told TMZ. He added, “I know where I come from and I know our struggles. I am an actor. My job is to tell a story.”

The actor explained that he was drawn to the role because it offered a positive depiction of a Latino veteran working alongside a progressive college‑age grandson—a narrative he felt highlighted shared values of service and family. Trejo’s representative confirmed the comments but declined to elaborate further.

Production Shutdown and Resumption in Livingston, Montana

Filming for Pawn Shop encountered local opposition in Livingston, Montana, where residents complained that the production disrupted the town’s food bank operations and failed to provide adequate warnings about hazardous stunt work. The shoot was halted last Saturday, prompting shutdowns that lasted through the weekend.

Production resumed on Monday after discussions with city officials and community leaders. Ben Shapiro defended the continuation, calling the temporary halt “content discrimination” and a violation of the First Amendment. Shapiro’s remarks reignited debate over artistic freedom versus community impact.

Details of the Film’s Plot and Casting

The logline for Pawn Shop describes a scenario in which a Minneapolis riot forces a young ICE officer to conduct a high‑stakes arrest alone after his partner is killed. He then takes refuge in a neighborhood pawn shop with a “hard‑edged Hispanic veteran” (played by Trejo) and the veteran’s progressive college‑age grandson. Harvey Keitel co‑stars as a fellow veteran hired by Trejo’s character to work at the shop.

The film aims to explore tensions between law‑enforcement authority and civil unrest, positioning the pawn shop as a microcosm of broader societal conflict. While the Daily Wire markets the project as a patriotic tale, critics argue it glorifies ICE actions amid ongoing national scrutiny of the agency’s practices.

Industry and Public Reaction: Shapiro’s Defense and Community Concerns

Responses to Trejo’s statement have been mixed. Supporters praise the actor for using his platform to affirm his immigrant‑rights stance, while detractors accuse him of hypocrisy for participating in a film they view as pro‑law‑enforcement propaganda. Meanwhile, Livingston officials have reported that the production completed its scheduled shooting days by mid‑September and has moved into post‑production, with no official release date announced as of late September 2025.

Industry analysts note that the controversy underscores the growing politicization of entertainment projects, particularly those backed by ideologically driven outlets like the Daily Wire. As the film nears completion, both its artistic reception and its potential impact on public discourse around ICE remain uncertain.

As of September 26, 2025, no further developments regarding Trejo’s involvement or the film’s release have been reported beyond the statements and production updates outlined above.

Entertainment, News, Politics, Society, Danny Trejo, Daily Wire, Pawn Shop, Livingston Montana, ICE controversy, Film production, Ben Shapiro, Harvey Keitel, TMZ