Danny Trejo clarifies stance on immigration amid film controversy

Actor Danny Trejo has addressed backlash regarding his role in “Pawn Shop,” a film produced by Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire and Bonfire Legend. Trejo, who portrays a Latino veteran, issued a statement clarifying that while he is a “proud Mexican” and “pro-immigrant,” he is “not pro-ICE.” He explained that his motivation for accepting the role was to provide a positive depiction of a Latino veteran and emphasized that his job as an actor is to tell stories.

The production has faced significant local opposition during filming in Livingston, Montana. Residents raised concerns regarding noise, simulated gunfire, and disruptions to a local food pantry. Filming was temporarily halted following these complaints but has since resumed under a revised permit that includes stricter conditions for public safety and community access.

“Pawn Shop” features Harvey Keitel and follows a high-stakes narrative set in Minneapolis involving an ICE officer and a local mob. The film has drawn further scrutiny due to a scene that appears to recreate the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE agents earlier this year. Ben Shapiro has defended the production, characterizing the temporary shutdown as “content discrimination” and a “violation of the First Amendment.”