Ben Shapiro Resumes Pro-ICE Movie Shoot in Montana After City Hearing and Frequent Protests

Ben Shapiro, a prominent conservative commentator, has returned to filming a pro-ICE movie titled "Pawn Shop" in Livingstone, Montana after city officials held a hearing and suspended the production temporarily. The controversy arose due to claims that the film's producers had violated permitting requirements and neglected to inform local residents about simulated gunfire scenes.

Residents expressed outrage, stating they were not consulted about the shoot and were inconvenienced by street closures and armed security around the filming location.

During the public hearing, producers of "Pawn Shop" defended their actions, claiming they had "canvassed the blocks" and affixed necessary notices before filming. However, the town's food bank reported a decline in visits from those in need due to the shoot. Local news outlet KTVQ estimated that around 150 residents attended the hearing, though public comments were limited to permit compliance concerns.

Ben Shapiro, the film's producer, contended that Livingstone officials had halted the shoot on the street due to political reasons rather than safety or permit issues. He accused the city commissioners of siding with a "Hallmark film" approach, arguing that the First Amendment protects content that upholds immigration law. Shapiro claimed that the city's decision was a clear case of content discrimination, citing the film's portrayal of an ICE officer's struggle in a modern siege of honor and defiance.