Danny Trejo has released his first statement since facing backlash for starring in the pro-ICE Daily Wire film “Pawn Shop” from Ben Shapiro’s production company.
“I’m a proud Mexican who has always been and always will be a supporter of my community. I’m also obviously pro-immigration. I’m not pro-ICE,” the “Spy Kids” actor told TMZ.
“I know where I come from and I know our struggles,” he added, “I’m an actor. My job is to tell a story.” TMZ reported that Trejo told people on set that he was attracted to the role because it was a positive portrayal of a Latino who is also a veteran.
Production was shut down in Livingston, Montana, last Saturday when residents complained about the production’s impact on the Livingston Food Bank and inappropriate warnings about dangerous stunts. Production resumed Monday, with political commentator Shapiro calling the shutdown “content discrimination” and a “violation of the First Amendment.”
A scene captured on video by TMZ appeared to recreate Renee Good’s fatal ICE shooting. Harvey Keitel plays another veteran hired by Trejo’s character to work at the pawn shop.
The film’s storyline reads: “When a riot in Minneapolis forces a young ICE officer to make a high-stakes arrest alone after the death of his partner, he is chased through the streets by a furious mob determined to free the prisoner and punish anyone who still upholds the law. Barricaded in a neighborhood pawn shop with a hardline Hispanic veteran and the man’s progressive, college-aged grandson, ordinary men must choose between the rule of law and the chaos that wants to burn it all down in a modern siege of honor and defiance.
Trejo’s rep confirmed his statements but had no further comment.
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