Danny Trejo Defends Role in Daily Wire Film Amid Set Protests

Danny Trejo is pushing back against audience backlash following his casting in *Pawn Shop*, an independent feature produced by Ben Shapiro's media outlet The Daily Wire alongside Dallas Sonnier's Bonfire Legend.

Filming on the Montana set has encountered local demonstrations over allegations that the script dramatizes the January killing of Renée Good while presenting a sympathetic portrayal of federal immigration agents, according to reporting from TheWrap.

Addressing the controversy, Trejo told TMZ that his involvement should not be interpreted as an endorsement of immigration authorities. The actor stated that he is a proud Mexican who remains pro-immigrant, explicitly telling the outlet, "I am not pro-ICE."

In the production, which also stars Harvey Keitel, Trejo portrays a Latino veteran who operates a multi-generational pawn shop. The storyline involves his character providing shelter to an immigration officer hiding from civil unrest. Trejo explained that he accepted the job because it presented a positive portrayal of a Latino military veteran.

Trejo echoed those comments on social media on Friday, writing on X that he recognizes the struggles of his community while defending his work as an actor bringing a story to the screen.

For Hollywood Tomorrow, the friction highlights the delicate balancing act facing established character actors who sign onto politically charged independent slates. As non-traditional conservative distributors ramp up feature production, high-profile casting decisions are increasingly scrutinized through the lens of studio branding and social commentary.