Danny Trejo is drawing a firm line between his latest acting role and his personal politics. After facing backlash for joining Pawn Shop, a Daily Wire movie centered on immigration enforcement, the actor says his participation should not be read as support for ICE. Trejo says he remains firmly “pro-immigrant” and wants fans to understand why he accepted the controversial project.
Danny Trejo says he is “pro-immigrant” and “not pro-ICE” after backlash over Pawn Shop
Trejo addressed the criticism directly in an Instagram post. “I am also obviously, pro immigrant. I am not pro ice,” he wrote. He also identified himself as a proud Mexican and longtime supporter of his community.
Moreover, Trejo also separated his work as an actor from the movie’s political message. “I am an actor. My job is to tell a story,” he added.
The response followed backlash over the upcoming Ben Shapiro movie, which comes from the Daily Wire and Bonfire Legend. Shapiro has described Pawn Shop as pro-ICE. The story follows a federal agent who seeks refuge inside a Minneapolis pawn shop during unrest tied to immigration enforcement.
According to The Blast, Trejo plays the Latino owner of the pawn shop. His character is also a military veteran whose family has operated the business for generations. Harvey Keitel and Henry Thomas appear alongside him.
Still, some social media users questioned why Trejo accepted the role if he does not support ICE. Others defended the distinction between an actor’s personal beliefs and the politics surrounding a production.
The film had already generated controversy before Trejo spoke out. Production in Livingston, Montana, briefly stopped after residents raised concerns about simulated gunfire, street closures, and access near a food pantry. City officials later allowed filming to resume under a revised permit. Mandatory also covered the production’s temporary filming shutdown and return.
Trejo, however, kept his statement focused on identity, community, and immigration. He said he knows where he comes from and understands “our struggles.”
Trejo’s position is that appearing in Pawn Shop does not mean he supports ICE. He wants audiences to separate his acting work from his personal stance on immigration.
