Actor Danny Trejo says he is "not pro-ICE" after fans criticized his role in "Pawn Shop," a film made in part by Ben Shapiro's conservative media company, the Daily Wire, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Trejo was called a "sellout" and a "traitor" online after news of his casting spread, the Times said. The film shows immigration agents in a positive light, the outlet reported.

"I am a proud Mexican who has always been and will always be a supporter of my community," Trejo wrote on Instagram, the Times reported. "I am also obviously pro-immigrant. I am not pro ICE. I know where I come from and I know our struggles. I am an actor. My job is to tell a story."

His son, Gilbert Trejo, then defended him, Variety reported. He said the cast learned of Shapiro's role only two weeks into shooting, and that his father "has never heard of Ben Shapiro."

"I had to explain to him who that is," Gilbert wrote, according to Variety. He said his father's contract bars him from speaking badly of Shapiro or the film, and that he could be sued if he walked away.

Gilbert said Trejo's agent described the film as a story where "everyone looks bad except you, the hardworking Mexican shop owner who just wants peace," Variety reported.

The film follows a young ICE officer during a riot in Minneapolis, Variety said. The Times reported that it is said to be inspired by the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer.

Filming in Livingston, Montana, was paused on Oct. 3 after local protests and resumed Oct. 6, the Times reported. Shapiro called the pause "a violation of the First Amendment" and called the film's critics "censorious jackasses," Deadline reported.

What we know: Trejo says he is not pro-ICE, and his son says he did not know of Shapiro's role.
What we don't: Whether Trejo will help promote the film when it is released.