NEW YORK — Danny Trejo is responding to criticism sparked by his starring role in the Daily Wire’s pro-ICE movie, “Pawn Shop” from Ben Shapiro’s production company.

“Hey everyone. I want to address some social media comments about me,” the actor wrote in a statement shared online.

“Make no mistake. I am a proud Mexican who has always been and will always be a supporter of my community,” he continued. “I am also obviously pro-immigrant. I am not pro-ICE. I know where I come from and I know our struggles.”

Trejo concluded: “I am an actor. My job is to tell a story. God Bless you, Danny.”

The film recently resumed production in Livingston, Montana, following a brief shut down prompted by concerns from local residents. They said producers hadn’t adequately notified the public about the shoot, specifically the amount of loud violence involved, the Montana Free Press reported.

Closures for the production also apparently had significant impacts on the Livingston Food Resource Center, which said it was not made aware of the shoot beforehand.

Filming picked up again on Tuesday with a revised permit requiring that the crew ensure access to the food pantry, and shield the community from the shooting of violent scenes, as well as the noise. The production also agreed to address reported issues with their use of private security.

Shapiro later slammed the shutdown as “content discrimination” and “a violation of the First Amendment.”

Trejo reportedly plays the owner of a pawn shop in the film, which also stars Harvey Keitel. The business, which has been in his character’s family for generations, acts as shelter for an ICE agent hiding from unrest outside. One scene appears to dramatize ICE’s fatal shooting of Renée Nicole Good, which occurred in Minnesota back in January.

According to TMZ, Trejo was “attracted to the role because it’s a positive depiction of a Latino character and a veteran.”

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