--- title: "Danny Trejo Clarifies Stance on ICE Amid 'Pawn Shop' Film Backlash" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/media/danny-trejo-clarifies-stance-on-ice-amid-pawn-shop-film-backlash" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/danny-trejo-clarifies-stance-on-ice-amid-pawn-shop-film-backlash" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/media/danny-trejo-clarifies-stance-on-ice-amid-pawn-shop-film-backlash.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/danny-trejo-clarifies-stance-on-ice-amid-pawn-shop-film-backlash" category: "Media" published: "2026-10-12T22:05:14.027Z" source_reported: "2026-10-12T19:06:53.000Z" updated: "2026-10-12T22:05:14.027Z" trust_score: 42 critic_score: 61 hype_score: 41 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-10-12T23:15:18.325333+00:00" --- # Danny Trejo Clarifies Stance on ICE Amid 'Pawn Shop' Film Backlash *Actor states he is pro-immigrant, not pro-ICE, after controversy over his role in a Daily Wire film.* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to named body (TMZ) and quoted by one outlet; 12 other outlets cited. - Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. Reporting includes quotes, context, and details about production issues and the film's plot. - Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines and digests use loaded language like 'backlash' and 'controversial' without substantial evidence. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - Actor Danny Trejo has stated he is "pro-immigrant" and "not pro-ICE" in response to backlash over his role in the Daily Wire film 'Pawn Shop.' - The film 'Pawn Shop,' produced by Ben Shapiro's Daily Wire, reportedly includes a scene that recreates the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good. - Production of 'Pawn Shop' was temporarily halted in Livingston, Montana, due to local complaints about its impact on the food bank and inadequate hazard warnings. - Trejo stated that as an actor, his job is to tell a story and that he was drawn to the role because it depicted a Latino veteran positively. Actor Danny Trejo has clarified his position on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following criticism for his involvement in the film 'Pawn Shop.' Produced by Ben Shapiro's Daily Wire, the movie has drawn controversy, with Trejo issuing a statement to TMZ. He declared, "I am a proud Mexican who has always been and will always be a supporter of my community. I am also obviously pro-immigrant. I am not pro-ICE." Trejo explained his motivation for taking the role, stating, "I know where I come from and I know our struggles. I am an actor. My job is to tell a story." He indicated that he was attracted to the part because it offered a positive portrayal of a Latino individual who is also a veteran. The film's logline describes an ICE officer pursued by a mob after his partner's death. ## Production Halt and Scene Recreation Production of 'Pawn Shop' was temporarily suspended in Livingston, Montana, on a Saturday due to local objections concerning the production's effect on the Livingston food bank and insufficient warnings about hazardous stunts. Filming resumed on the following Monday. Political commentator Ben Shapiro, the film's producer, described the shutdown as "content discrimination" and a "violation of the First Amendment." One scene, captured on video, appeared to depict the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE. Harvey Keitel also stars in the film, playing a fellow veteran who works at the pawn shop with Trejo's character. ## What the coverage left out None of the left-rated digests mention the specific complaints that led to the temporary production shutdown in Livingston, Montana, which included concerns about the impact on the local food bank and improper warnings about hazardous stunts. The right-rated digests do not mention the scene that appeared to recreate the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good. ## Who covered it Shares of the 26 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 62% (16) - Centre: 26% (7) - Right: 12% (3) 5 of 31 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-12T23:15:18.325333+00:00. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 7 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-12T23:45:18.536Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - Left-rated reports focused on Danny Trejo's statement that he is "not pro-ICE" and is "pro-immigrant." Many highlighted his quote, "I am a proud Mexican who has always been and will always be a supporter of my community. I am also obviously pro-immigrant. I am not pro-ICE." The reports noted that Trejo stars in 'Pawn Shop,' a film produced by Ben Shapiro's Daily Wire, and that one scene appeared to recreate the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good. Some mentioned the temporary shutdown of production in Livingston, Montana, due to local complaints. Outlets in this category included Variety, The Blast, La Jornada, The Independent, Media Take Out, The Seattle Times, Lodinews.com, Hot News, The spokesman-Review, NY Daily News, and Joe.My.God. ### Centre - Centre-rated reports led with Danny Trejo's assertion that he is "not pro-ICE" amid backlash over his role in the Daily Wire film 'Pawn Shop.' These reports frequently included Trejo's quote about being "pro-immigrant" and "not pro-ICE." They also mentioned the film is produced by Ben Shapiro's Daily Wire and that production was temporarily halted in Montana. Outlets in this category included The Hill, Reality Tea, The Derrick, and recorderonline.com, Asume Tech, and Consequence. ### Right - Right-rated reports highlighted Danny Trejo's statement that he is "pro-immigrant" and "not pro-ICE." These reports mentioned his role in the Daily Wire movie 'Pawn Shop' and included his quote, "I am a proud Mexican who has always been and will always be a supporter of my community. I am also obviously pro-immigrant. I am not pro-ICE." The reports noted that Trejo stated his job is to tell a story. Outlets in this category included The Washington Times, WVII / Fox Bangor, and TMZ. **Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - veryLow: 1 - low: 1 - mixed: 5 - high: 15 - unknown: 6 - veryHigh: 3 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [Film Daily](https://filmdaily.co/news/behind-the-danny-trejo-movie-backlash) — Behind the Danny Trejo movie backlash - [The Hill](https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/6143433-danny-trejo-says-hes-not-pro-ice-amid-backlash-over-daily-wire-pawn-shop-movie) — Danny Trejo says he’s ‘not pro-ICE’ amid backlash over Daily Wire ‘Pawn Shop’ movie - [Reality Tea](https://realitytea.com/2026/10/12/danny-trejo-ben-shapiro-pawn-shop-backlash) — Danny Trejo Makes His Position on ICE Clear Amid Movie Backlash - [The Mercury news](https://mercurynews.com/2026/10/12/danny-trejo-denies-being-pro-ice-amid-backlash-to-daily-wire-film) — Danny Trejo denies being pro-ICE amid backlash to Daily Wire film - [The Blast](https://theblast.com/867266/danny-trejo-defends-role-ben-shapiros-movie) — Danny Trejo Defends Role In Ben Shapiro’s Movie: ‘I Am Not Pro-ICE’ - [La Jornada](https://jornada.com.mx/2026/10/12/espectaculos/a08n2esp?partner=rss) — Danny Trejo Will Make a Tape Pro ICE, but Denies Being in Favor of the Agency - [Potosinoticias.com](https://potosinoticias.com/2026/10/11/danny-trejo-niega-apoyar-a-ice-tras-las-criticas-por-su-participacion-en-pawn-shop) — Danny Trejo Denies Supporting ICE After Criticism for His Involvement in Pawn Shop - [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/danny-trejo-ice-movie-daily-wire-b3064858.html) — Danny Trejo denies being ‘pro ICE’ after being cast in new pro-ICE movie - [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/news/danny-trejo-ice-movie-daily-wire-b3064858.html) — Danny Trejo denies being ‘pro ICE’ after being cast in new pro-ICE movie - [in.gr](https://in.gr/2026/10/11/life/culture-live/o-ntani-trexo-einai-me-tous-metanastes-alla-protagonistei-se-tainia-kseplyma-tis-ice) — Danny Trejo Is "with the Immigrants" but Stars in an ICE-Laundering Film - [The Cheat Sheet](https://cheatsheet.com/news/danny-trejo-not-apologizing-role-daily-wire-movie-minneapolis-ice-shooting.html) — Danny Trejo Not Apologizing for Taking Role in Daily Wire Movie Inspired By Minneapolis ICE Shooting, Says He's 'Pro Immigrant' - [Media Take Out](https://mediatakeout.com/mexican-actor-danny-trejo-hired-for-right-wing-movie-under-fire-by-immigrant-groups) — Danny Trejo Not Apologizing for Taking Role in Daily Wire Movie Inspired By Minneapolis ICE Shooting, Says He's 'Pro Immigrant' - [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/entertainment/danny-trejo-denies-being-pro-ice-amid-backlash-to-daily-wire-film) — Danny Trejo denies being pro-ICE amid backlash to Daily Wire film - [The Derrick](https://thederrick.com/news/entertainment/danny-trejo-denies-being-pro-ice-amid-backlash-to-daily-wire-film/article_ca4c1f2f-d4dd-5689-bbf5-a4c7c9a3aca3.html) — Danny Trejo denies being pro-ICE amid backlash to Daily Wire film - [Lodinews.com](https://lodinews.com/entertainment/article_526b0d59-80fd-5253-803d-fd82b4e096f7.html) — Danny Trejo denies being pro-ICE amid backlash to Daily Wire film - [recorderonline.com](https://recorderonline.com/features/entertainment_news/danny-trejo-denies-being-pro-ice-amid-backlash-to-daily-wire-film/article_241d3900-2c4c-5d47-aab6-96863149c63b.html) — Danny Trejo denies being pro-ICE amid backlash to Daily Wire film - [Consequence](https://consequence.net/2026/10/danny-trejo-says-hes-not-pro-ice-amid-backlash-over-daily-wire-movie) — Danny Trejo Says He’s “Not Pro-ICE” Amid Backlash Over Daily Wire Movie - [mnnofa.com](https://mnnofa.com/music/danny-trejo-says-hes-not-pro-ice-amid-backlash-over-daily-wire-movie) — Danny Trejo Says He’s “Not Pro-ICE” Amid Backlash Over Daily Wire Movie - [Hot News](https://hotnews.ro/un-cunoscut-actor-de-origine-mexicana-raspunde-criticilor-dupa-ce-a-acceptat-un-rol-intr-un-film-despre-aplicarea-legilor-privind-imigratia-nu-sunt-pro-ice-2372497) — A Well-Known Mexican Actor Responds to Critics After Accepting a Role in a Film About the Application of Immigration Laws: "I'm Not Pro-ICE - HotNews.ro - [Washington Times](https://washingtontimes.com/news/2026/oct/10/danny-trejo-defends-role-daily-wire-movie-pro-immigrant) — Danny Trejo defends role in Daily Wire movie: 'I am pro-immigrant' - [The spokesman-Review](http://spokesman.com/stories/2026/oct/10/danny-trejo-denies-being-pro-ice-amid-backlash-to-) — Danny Trejo denies being pro-ICE amid backlash to Daily Wire film - [NY Daily News](https://nydailynews.com/2026/10/10/danny-trejo-denies-being-pro-ice-amid-backlash-to-daily-wire-film) — Danny Trejo denies being pro-ICE amid backlash to Daily Wire film - [World of Reel](https://worldofreel.com/blog/2026/10/10/danny-trejo-says-hes-not-pro-ice-but-he-knew-exactly-what-movie-he-was-making) — Danny Trejo Says He's “Not Pro-ICE” After Starring in Ben Shapiro’s “Anti-ICE” Movie - [vijesti.me](https://vijesti.me/zabava/film-tv/830718/deni-treho-brani-odluku-da-snimi-film-o-ice-u) — Danny Trejo Defends the Decision to Make a Movie About ICE - [Joe.My.God.](https://joemygod.com/2026/10/actor-in-shapiros-renee-good-film-im-not-pro-ice) — Actor In Shapiro’s Renee Good Film: “I’m Not Pro-ICE” - [The Wrap](https://thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/danny-trejo-responds-daily-wire-pawn-shop-controversy) — Danny Trejo Defends Participation in Ben Shapiro’s Pro-ICE Movie: ‘My Job Is to Tell a Story’ - [Asume Tech](https://asumetech.com/2026/10/10/danny-trejo-defends-pawn-shop-role-while-maintaining-pro-immigrant-stance) — Danny Trejo Defends ‘Pawn Shop’ Role While Maintaining ‘Pro-Immigrant’ Stance - [Deadline](https://deadline.com/2026/10/danny-trejo-pro-immigrant-backlash-daily-wire-ice-film-1237153821) — Danny Trejo Insists He's "Pro-Immigrant" Amid Daily Wire Backlash - [Variety](https://variety.com/2026/film/news/danny-trejo-daily-wire-pawn-shop-not-pro-ice-1236907272) — Danny Trejo Speaks Out About His Role in Daily Wire ‘Pawn Shop’ Movie: ‘I Am Not Pro-ICE. I Am Pro-Immigrant.’ - [WVII / Fox Bangor](https://foxbangor.com/news/national/entertainment/danny-trejo-says-hes-not-pro-ice-after-backlash-over-ben-shapiro-movie/article_0cc60f7f-2cf8-5902-9072-226dfeb6b6dd.html) — Danny Trejo Says He's Not Pro-ICE After Backlash Over Ben Shapiro Movie - [TMZ](https://tmz.com/2026/10/09/danny-trejo-speaks-out-on-ben-shapiro-movie-backlash) — Danny Trejo Says He's Not Pro-ICE After Backlash Over Ben Shapiro Movie ## Questions **What is Danny Trejo's stance on ICE?** Danny Trejo has stated that he is "pro-immigrant" and "not pro-ICE." He clarified that while he supports his community and immigrants, he does not support the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. He emphasized that his role as an actor is to tell a story. **What is the film 'Pawn Shop' about?** 'Pawn Shop' is a film produced by Ben Shapiro's Daily Wire. Its logline describes an ICE officer who is hunted by a mob after his partner is killed. The film reportedly includes a scene that recreates the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good. **Why was production of 'Pawn Shop' temporarily halted?** Production of 'Pawn Shop' was temporarily shut down in Livingston, Montana, due to local complaints. These complaints reportedly concerned the production's impact on the Livingston food bank and inadequate warnings about hazardous stunts. Filming resumed after the issues were addressed. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/media/danny-trejo-clarifies-stance-on-ice-amid-pawn-shop-film-backlash. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Danny Trejo Clarifies Stance on ICE Amid 'Pawn Shop' Film Backlash", https://mediabias.news/media/danny-trejo-clarifies-stance-on-ice-amid-pawn-shop-film-backlash