Mayor Lurie takes credit for immigrant legal funding he had little to do with

Mayor Daniel Lurie claimed credit for securing a $3. 4 million grant for immigrant legal defense services, but the funding actually originated from a grant application by the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office to the Crankstart Foundation. The Board of Supervisors is required to pass legislation to formally accept such grants, a routine process that Lurie participated in as a co-sponsor. Former supervisors criticized Lurie's actions as merely procedural and not a substantial contribution to immigrant support. Lurie’s spokesperson maintained that the mayor led the legislative step to facilitate the funding.

Despite this announcement, Lurie has effectively reduced funding for immigrant legal defense by not renewing a previous $878,000 allocation made by former Mayor London Breed. Advocacy groups have warned that the lack of funding comes at a critical time, especially with increased federal enforcement actions. Lariza Dugan-Cuadra from Carecen highlighted the urgency of the situation in communications with Lurie's office. The mixed messaging around Lurie’s involvement raises concerns about the administration's commitment to immigrant defense.