Montana Residents Clash with Daily Wire Over Pro-ICE Film Shoot

Background of the Daily Wire Production

Ben Shapiro's Daily Wire, in partnership with Dallas Sonnier's Bonfire Legend, announced a new feature film that takes a strong stance in support of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The working title, Pawn Shop, is being filmed on location in Livingston, a small town in southwestern Montana known for its historic downtown and tourism‑driven economy.

The project is marketed as a dramatized action thriller that follows a pawn shop owner who becomes entangled with ICE agents. According to the Daily Wire official website, the script is intended to highlight the challenges faced by law‑enforcement officers dealing with illegal immigration.

Local Concerns and Safety Issues

Residents quickly voiced alarm after learning that the production plan includes several high‑intensity scenes. The announced elements include:

Blank gunfire fired on public streets
Pyrotechnic explosions near storefronts
A staged vehicle collision on Main Street

Town officials confirmed that the crew obtained a temporary permit, but many locals argue that the permit process did not fully assess the risk to pedestrians or nearby businesses. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has not been directly involved in the production, yet its name is central to the film’s narrative.

Health and Safety Regulations

Montana law requires a thorough safety review for any activity that involves firearms or explosives in public areas. The Montana state legislature provides detailed guidelines for film crews, including mandatory on‑site safety officers and clear communication with local law enforcement.

Critics say the production team has not yet presented a comprehensive safety plan to the town council, leaving questions about compliance with state regulations.

Community Response and Protest Tactics

On the morning of the first scheduled shoot, a group of roughly 80 residents gathered outside the pawn shop location. They held signs that read “No Blank Shots in Our Streets” and “Protect Our Businesses”. The protest remained peaceful, with participants chanting and speaking to local media.

Organizers used a combination of social media outreach and neighborhood meetings to coordinate the effort. A volunteer list was posted on a community Facebook page, and a petition quickly amassed over 1,200 signatures.

Key Demands

Immediate suspension of any scenes involving live pyrotechnics until a full safety audit is completed.
Transparent disclosure of the exact locations and times for each high‑risk scene.
Compensation for any property damage or loss of revenue caused by the filming.

Legal and Regulatory Context

Montana’s public safety statutes require that any use of blank ammunition in a public setting be approved by the county sheriff’s office. The sheriff’s department released a brief statement confirming that a liaison officer has been assigned to the set, but they declined to comment on the specifics of the permit.

Legal experts note that while film productions enjoy certain First Amendment protections, those rights do not exempt them from compliance with health and safety codes. A recent case in Colorado, where a production was halted after a stray blank round injured a bystander, illustrates the potential liability for non‑compliance.

Impact on Local Businesses

Livingston’s downtown relies heavily on tourism, boutique shops, and restaurants. The temporary road closures and loud noises have already forced several establishments to close early on filming days. Owners report a dip in sales of up to 30 percent during the first week.

One café owner, Maria Lopez, described the situation:

“We love the idea of a film bringing attention to our town, but the noise and safety concerns are hurting our regular customers. We need clear communication and assurances that our business will not be damaged.”

Local chambers of commerce have begun mediating between the production team and business owners, seeking a schedule that minimizes disruption.

Future Outlook for the Film and the Town

Both the Daily Wire and Bonfire Legend have issued statements indicating a willingness to work with the community. A spokesperson for Bonfire Legend said the crew is “committed to following all local regulations and ensuring the safety of residents.”

Negotiations are ongoing. If a mutually acceptable safety plan is reached, filming is expected to continue with adjusted timelines. However, continued protest could pressure the town council to reconsider the permit.

Regardless of the outcome, the incident highlights the delicate balance between creative expression and community welfare in small‑town settings. It also raises broader questions about how politically charged content is produced in locations that may not share the same viewpoints.

For now, Livingston remains a focal point for a national conversation about film production, public safety, and the role of local voices in shaping media narratives.