Danny Trejo Responds to Criticism Over Role in Daily Wire Film

Actor Danny Trejo issued a statement addressing criticism over his involvement in the Daily Wire film “Pawn Shop.” He said he is a supporter of his community and immigrants, and clarified that he does not endorse ICE. Trejo added that he chose the role because it portrays a Latino veteran in a positive light.

The production, filmed in Livingston, Montana, was halted on Saturday after local residents raised concerns about its impact on a food bank and alleged insufficient safety warnings for stunt work. Filming resumed on Monday, while Daily Wire commentator Ben Shapiro described the interruption as “content discrimination” and a breach of First Amendment rights.

A scene captured by media outlets appears to reference the 2020 shooting of an ICE officer in Minneapolis. The film’s logline outlines a storyline in which a young ICE officer, after a riot, is pursued by a mob while seeking refuge in a pawn shop staffed by a Hispanic veteran and his grandson.

Harvey Keitel co-stars in the movie, and Trejo’s publicist confirmed his comments but declined further remarks.