Actor Danny Trejo is addressing the intense criticism surrounding his involvement in the upcoming film Pawn Shop, a production backed by Ben Shapiro’s The Daily Wire. In a statement released on October 9, 2026, Trejo clarified that his professional participation does not reflect a shift in his personal values, explicitly stating that he is “not pro-ICE” and remains a “supporter of my community.”
Trejo, a veteran actor known for his long history of community advocacy, told TMZ that his decision to join the cast was rooted in the script’s depiction of his character—a Latino military veteran and father who owns a pawn shop in Minneapolis. Trejo explained that he viewed the role as a positive portrayal of a Latino lead, which initially attracted him to the project.
While Trejo views the role through the lens of a storyteller, the project’s financiers have framed the narrative differently. Ben Shapiro has publicly characterized Pawn Shop as “pro-ICE,” a label that directly contrasts with Trejo’s public stance. The film’s plot reportedly centers on Trejo’s character sheltering an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during a period of civil unrest.
The production, a collaboration between The Daily Wire and Dallas Sonnier’s Bonfire Legend, has faced significant hurdles during its shoot in Montana. On October 3, 2026, the Livingston City Commission temporarily suspended the film’s production permit following a wave of local protests and safety concerns. Residents and local officials raised issues regarding disruptions caused by the crew, including reports of armed security and road closures that affected access to a local food bank. However, following a seven-hour public hearing, the commission voted on October 5 to reinstate the permit.
The film, which also stars Harvey Keitel and Henry Thomas, has also come under fire for its reported narrative content. Leaked script details indicate that the movie dramatizes the fatal 2025 shooting of Renee Good, a real-life activist killed by ICE agents. The inclusion of this event has fueled community anger, with critics arguing that the dramatization of such a recent tragedy is inflammatory given the political framing of the production.
Trejo’s defense of the role emphasizes the distinction between an actor’s job and their personal politics. By highlighting the character’s background as a veteran and a father, Trejo has attempted to separate the “pro-ICE” branding of the film’s producers from his own interpretation of the story.
