Danny Trejo Says He’s “Not Pro-ICE” Amid Backlash Over Daily Wire Movie [Updated]

Danny Trejo is pushing back against criticism over his role in Pawn Shop, an upcoming Daily Wire film centered on immigration enforcement, urging that his involvement shouldn’t be taken as support for ICE.

“I am also obviously pro-immigrant. I am not pro ICE,” Trejo said Friday while addressing the backlash. He added, “I know where I come from and I know our struggles.” In a separate statement, the Machete star described himself as “a proud Mexican” and said, “I am an actor. My job is to tell a story.”

Trejo reportedly plays the owner of the titular Minneapolis pawn shop, a military veteran whose family has operated the business for generations. According to the film’s premise, an ICE agent takes shelter there while attempting to escape a mob amid unrest surrounding an immigration arrest. The Daily Wire is producing the film with Bonfire Legend, and Ben Shapiro has openly described the project as pro-ICE.

The production is already awash in controversy. Filming in Livingston, Montana, was temporarily halted after residents complained about street closures, simulated gunfire, disruptions to a local food pantry, and a filmed sequence that appeared to echo the January killing of Renée Good. The permit was later reinstated with additional conditions governing noise, violent scenes, and public access.

Trejo’s casting drew particular attention because of his long public identification with his Mexican-American heritage and immigrant community. A source connected to the production told TMZ that the actor was drawn to the role because it offered a positive portrayal of a Latino veteran.

Pawn Shop also reportedly Harvey Keitel and Henry Thomas. A release date has not yet been announced.

Update: In a new statement, Trejo’s son, Gilbert, claims his father never heard of Ben Shapiro prior to accepting the role, and wasn’t aware of Shapiro’s involvement until two weeks into filming. “My dad contractually can’t badmouth him, the film, or walk away without being sued for breach of contract. He couldn’t even release the statement he wanted to,” he added. “He’s handcuffed to this stupid project, and swaths of people have instantly turned their back on him without knowing any of the facts.”

Statement from Gilbert Trejo:

“For anyone seeing this shit with my dad…

“He was booked on a film, it’s not pro-ice, its not overtly pro anything. His agent described it as ‘a complicated story about a complicated time, where everyone looks bad except you, the hardworking Mexican shop owner who just wants peace.’

“He jumped at the idea of playing a good guy.

“About 2 weeks into shooting everyone, including us, found out Ben Shapiro was involved.

“My 82 year old dad has never heard of Ben Shapiro, I had to explain to him who that is, and what kind of guy he is.

“My dad contractually can’t badmouth him, the film, or walk away without being sued for breach of contract. He couldn’t even release the statement he wanted to.

“It’s fucked up. He’s handcuffed to this stupid project, and swaths of people have instantly turned their back on him without knowing any of the facts.

“Ben Shapiro got Mexicans to abandon one of their heroes, got his own name to the top of google searches, and made us look like angry fools lacking any nuance. He wins.”