Danny Trejo Defends Daily Wire Role, Says He Does Not Support ICE
Danny Trejo responded to criticism of his role in Pawn Shop, an upcoming Daily Wire movie about immigration enforcement, stating that he supports immigrants and opposes ICE. The actor emphasized his Mexican heritage and said his work as an actor is to tell stories; his character owns a Minneapolis pawn shop and is a military veteran. Filming in Livingston, Montana, was temporarily halted after local complaints and later resumed with added conditions, while Ben Shapiro has characterized the project as supportive of ICE.
Trejo said his involvement should not be read as backing ICE, describing himself as supportive of immigrants and proud of his Mexican roots. He framed acting as storytelling. His character runs a Minneapolis pawn shop, is a veteran, and belongs to a family that has kept the business going for generations.
The plot reportedly has an ICE agent hiding in that shop while fleeing a crowd during unrest over an immigration arrest. The Daily Wire is making the film with Bonfire Legend; Ben Shapiro has publicly framed it as favorable to ICE. In Livingston, Montana, production paused after complaints about closures, simulated gunfire, food-pantry disruption, and a scene resembling a January killing, then resumed under stricter permit terms.
The film’s eventual release could sharpen public debate over entertainment’s role in immigration enforcement, affecting audiences, immigrant communities, and cast members who may face scrutiny. Trejo’s explanation may reassure some fans while leaving others skeptical. Residents of Livingston could see future shoots subjected to tighter rules. Since no release date exists, the project’s real social impact remains uncertain.