Brian DePeña, the mayor of Lawrence, Massachusetts, recently found himself under public scrutiny after a video of his lawyer stating that DePeña does not speak English went viral. This statement came in response to media inquiries regarding his arrest over alleged COVID-19 pandemic relief fraud.
DePeña, 61, was taken into custody following an investigation into his misuse of over $1.5 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provided these loans as part of the CARES Act to aid businesses struggling due to the pandemic.
He doesn’t speak English. No comment,DePeña’s lawyer said as DePeña smiled and repeatedly offered ‘God bless you’ to reporters.
The incident quickly spread online, sparking debates among users questioning the language proficiency requirements for public office holders in the U.S. According to federal prosecutors, DePeña allegedly used the funds for his mayoral campaign and personal debt payments. He had originally applied for the funds to support his business, Tenares Tire Services Inc., based in Lawrence.
Public figures reacted to the news. Conservative influencer LibsofTikTok expressed disbelief, while journalist Miranda Devine highlighted the importance of English fluency for public officials. Congress candidate Jace Yarbrough criticized the election of officials he described as ‘unassimilated foreigners.’
After DePeña’s interaction with reporters, footage appeared online showing his car hitting a parked vehicle while attempting to drive away.
DePeña, born in the Dominican Republic, became Lawrence’s mayor in 2021 and secured re-election in 2025. He served on the Lawrence City Council from 2016 to 2021 and previously acknowledged his former status as an “undocumented immigrant,” having obtained U.S. citizenship later.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley commented, Mayor DePeña was elected to lead the City of Lawrence, but he betrayed that trust through alleged corruption and lies. Today’s arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing fraud by public officials.
If convicted, DePeña could face up to 30 years in prison. His legal representative, Carlos Apostle, has not provided any comments.