Ben Shapiro's Pro-ICE Movie Restarts Production, Slams Shutdown
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The Livingston City Commission temporarily shut down production of Ben Shapiro's Daily Wire film "Pawn Shop," citing community safety and mental health concerns, but filming has since resumed after permits were reinstated.
- Shapiro condemned the shutdown as "content discrimination" and a violation of the First Amendment, arguing the decision was politically motivated and based on disagreement with the film's immigration law enforcement theme.
- The suspension followed complaints from locals about the film's impact on a local food bank and alleged improper warnings regarding hazardous stunts during production.
- "Pawn Shop," directed by Michael Polish, features a cast including Danny Trejo and Harvey Keitel and centers on an ICE officer caught in a violent siege after a Minneapolis riot, exploring themes of law enforcement and social chaos.
