# Controversy surrounding Pawn Shop film production

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-surrounding-pawn-shop-film-production
> Updated: 2026-10-14T18:15:20.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 3.

Actor Danny Trejo has addressed criticism regarding his role in the film ‘Pawn Shop’, a production by Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire and Bonfire Legend. The film follows a federal agent seeking shelter in a Minneapolis pawn shop during unrest related to immigration enforcement.

Trejo faced backlash from critics who accused him of participating in propaganda favorable to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In response, Trejo stated, “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.” He explained that his motivation for accepting the role was to provide a positive depiction of a Latino veteran.

New details have emerged regarding Trejo’s involvement. His son, Gilbert Trejo, clarified that the actor was unaware of the production’s political affiliations when he accepted the role. Gilbert stated that the agent involved described the film as a “complicated story” about a hardworking Mexican shop owner seeking peace. Furthermore, Gilbert noted that Danny Trejo did not know who Ben Shapiro was until two weeks after filming had already commenced, and expressed frustration that his father is contractually unable to distance himself from the project without facing legal consequences.

During production in Livingston, Montana, the film faced local opposition due to noise, simulated gunfire, and disruptions to a local food pantry. This led to a temporary halt in filming, though production has since resumed under a revised permit. Ben Shapiro defended the project, characterizing the temporary shutdown as “content discrimination” and a “violation of the First Amendment.”

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: Danny Trejo denies being pro-ICE amid film controversy

Actor Danny Trejo has denied being “pro-ICE” following backlash over his role in a film produced by Ben Shapiro’s The Daily Wire. His son claims Trejo was unaware of the project's political ties when cast.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/danny-trejo-denies-being-pro-ice-amid-film-controversy

### 2026-10-12: Danny Trejo defends role in Daily Wire film ‘Pawn Shop’

Danny Trejo defended his role in the Daily Wire film ‘Pawn Shop’ against claims of supporting ICE, stating he is a proud Mexican and pro-immigrant who took the role to portray a positive Latino veteran.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/danny-trejo-defends-role-in-daily-wire-film-pawn-shop

### 2026-10-10: Danny Trejo clarifies stance on immigration amid film controversy

Danny Trejo has defended his role in the Daily Wire film “Pawn Shop,” stating he is “pro-immigrant” but “not pro-ICE” amid production controversies in Montana.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/danny-trejo-addresses-backlash-over-daily-wire-film-pawn-shop

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Cite as: Controversy surrounding Pawn Shop film production. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-surrounding-pawn-shop-film-production