The mayor of Lawrence, Massachusetts, sparked national outrage after his attorney told reporters the elected official does not speak English when questioned about his arrest on federal fraud charges involving $1.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds.

Viral Confrontation Outside Courthouse

Brian DePeña, who has served as mayor since November 2021, faced reporters following his arraignment on charges related to the alleged misuse of pandemic small-business loans. When pressed for comment, his lawyer made the stunning claim that DePeña does not speak English, despite the mayor having been elected twice to lead an American city. Video of the exchange accumulated over one million views as DePeña smiled and repeatedly said only two English words to reporters outside the courthouse.

The incident took another bizarre turn when the vehicle DePeña departed in crashed into a parked car while attempting to leave the scene. Additional footage circulating on social media appeared to capture the collision, adding to the spectacle surrounding the already controversial arrest and prosecution.

Background and Federal Charges

DePeña was born in the Dominican Republic and has previously acknowledged entering the United States as an undocumented immigrant before later obtaining citizenship. He served on the Lawrence City Council from 2016 to 2021 before winning the mayoral election. Voters in the northern Massachusetts community re-elected him in November 2025, just months before federal authorities filed fraud charges against him.

U.S. Attorney Leah Foley emphasized the breach of public trust in her statement about the arrest. She noted that DePeña held a position of leadership and earned the confidence of constituents who expected him to serve their interests. The federal prosecutor characterized the alleged corruption and dishonesty as a betrayal of that sacred responsibility. Foley stressed that her office remains committed to investigating fraud regardless of the perpetrator’s position or status.

Public Reaction and Political Implications

Conservative commentators and social media users expressed disbelief that an American mayor would claim inability to communicate in English with constituents and media. The incident reignited debates about assimilation, civic leadership standards, and the responsibilities of elected officials. Critics questioned how someone could effectively govern without fluency in the primary language spoken by the majority of American citizens.

If convicted on all charges, DePeña faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. The case continues to develop as federal prosecutors build their fraud case while the mayor’s unusual public statements generate ongoing controversy about qualifications and expectations for elected leadership positions in American communities.