Lurie Declares Mexican American Heritage Day, Reaffirms Sanctuary Protections

At San Francisco's Civic Center on Monday, Mayor Daniel Lurie turned the annual El Grito de Dolores celebration — marking the 216th anniversary of Mexican independence — into a pointed political statement, proclaiming Sept. 16, 2026, as Mexican American Friendship and Heritage Day and publicly recommitting to the city's sanctuary policies amid heightened federal immigration enforcement. The ceremony also surfaced a looming question: who will carry the event forward after its lead organizer announced it is stepping back.

• Mayor proclaims Sept. 16, 2026, as Mexican American Friendship and Heritage Day and explicitly reaffirms sanctuary city policies

• Consul General traces San Francisco's founding to 1776 Mexican expedition, highlights Mexico as top U.S. and California trading partner

• MNC Inspiring Success announces likely departure as lead organizer of El Grito after reviving the event from a 42-year hiatus

Sanctuary Message Takes Center Stage at El Grito

Why it matters: The mayor used one of San Francisco's largest Mexican cultural gatherings — with consular officials, labor unions, and community organizations in the audience — to deliver an unambiguous political message on immigration enforcement at a moment of acute community anxiety.

Where things stand: Mayor Daniel Lurie opened by celebrating Mexico's national soccer team and the way the FIFA World Cup united the city, then turned to the fear gripping immigrant families. "We have seen children separated from their parents, grandmothers afraid to go to their doctor's appointments, students wondering if their parents will be there when school lets out," he said.

Lurie then drew a direct line from the celebration to policy:

"San Francisco is and will remain a city that welcomes everyone. We will remain a haven for our immigrant neighbors. I reaffirm our sanctuary policies today and every single day."

He formally proclaimed Sept. 16, 2026, as Mexican American Friendship and Heritage Day in the City and County of San Francisco before inviting Consul General Marco Mena to the podium.

Assessor-Recorder Joaquin Torres reinforced the message, framing the celebration in explicitly political terms. "It is a cry. A cry for dignity, a cry for respect, a cry to be seen," Torres said of El Grito. "Especially during these times when our communities, our families, our seniors, our children are being traumatized on our streets and in our communities."

Torres called the mayor's recommitment to sanctuary status "extremely important for the benefit, the safety and security of our communities" and acknowledged Jorge Rivas, director of the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs, for frontline work supporting immigrant communities.

What's next: The proclamation carries symbolic rather than legislative weight, but it signals to federal authorities and immigrant communities alike that San Francisco's political leadership remains unified behind its sanctuary posture. How that stance holds under continued federal pressure will be tested in the months ahead.

Consul General Links San Francisco's Origins to Mexico, Honors Maui Fire Hero

The basics: Consul General Marco Mena delivered remarks connecting San Francisco's founding directly to Mexican history, noting that the 1776 expedition led by Juan Bautista de Anza — with families from what are now the Mexican states of Sinaloa, Sonora, and Nuevo Leon — established both the Presidio and the Mission that gave the Mission District its name.

Why it matters: Mena underscored the economic stakes of the bilateral relationship.

"Mexico is the first trading partner of the United States. It is also the first trading partner of California," he said.

He noted that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has "great affection for the Bay Area" from her time studying at UC Berkeley, adding a personal diplomatic dimension to the trade relationship.

Mena also acknowledged the independence celebrations of other Latin American nations and thanked consuls general and honorary consuls present from those countries.

The Consul General then presented the Mexican Excellence Award to Professor Ruben Juarez of the University of Hawaii's economics department for his support of the Mexican community, particularly during the devastating 2023 Maui fires. Juarez highlighted the scale of the community he serves: "There is more than 50,000 Mexicans in Hawaii. We have a tremendous strength, but we also have unique needs that people in mainland US don't have, especially in healthcare, education, immigration, support and access to opportunities."

El Grito's Future in Question as Lead Organizer Steps Back

Why it matters: Richard Ybarra, CEO of MNC Inspiring Success, announced that this will likely be the organization's final year leading the El Grito celebration at San Francisco's Civic Center — a potentially significant gap for the city's largest Mexican cultural event.

Where things stand: Five years ago, the Mayor's Office asked MNC to revive El Grito after a 42-year hiatus by connecting with the Mexican Consulate. Ybarra said the organization's own growth is driving the transition. "Because of our own growth and expansion that we're experiencing today, this will probably be the last time that we can be the key sponsor or promotional event community organization putting on this event," he said.

He did add adding that he was confident the celebration would not stop:

"There will be plenty of community organizations ready and willing to take our place now that we've gotten it started."

Ybarra drew a parallel to an event he helped launch 25 years ago in Redwood City that continues to thrive without his involvement.

What's next: With MNC stepping back, the Mayor's Office or another civic partner will need to identify a successor organizer to sustain an event that has become a significant platform — not just for cultural celebration, but for political messaging on immigration and sanctuary policy. The broad sponsor coalition, which includes PG&E, SEIU Local 87, Teamsters Local 350, Golden State Warriors, SF Giants, Comcast, Kaiser Permanente, and the Civic Joy Fund, suggests corporate and labor interest in keeping the event alive.

Minor Items

• Chief of Protocol Penny Coulter emceed the ceremony, introducing Mayor Lurie by noting that "Mexico is not simply our neighbor. Mexico is part of our history."

• PG&E served as presenting sponsor; Sarah Chavez of PG&E represented the company at the event.

• Mirancho Supermarket, Telemundo, Channel 48, Zeus, and Recology were among additional event sponsors acknowledged.