New Hialeah Mayor Takes Issue With Hollywood Film Location

Hialeah’s newly elected mayor has found an unlikely first target: a Hollywood movie that relocated a real-life Miami Lakes drug bust to his city for dramatic purposes.

Bryan Calvo said he opposes “The Rip,” a film inspired by a 2016 federal drug raid that actually occurred in Miami Lakes but is being portrayed as taking place in Hialeah. The mayor argues the location change unfairly damages his city’s reputation.

“Why would they choose Hialeah when the actual event happened in Miami Lakes?” Calvo said. “It’s not fair to our residents and businesses.”

The film draws from the real 2016 federal operation that targeted a massive drug trafficking ring. Federal agents seized millions of dollars in cash, drugs, and assets during coordinated raids across Miami-Dade County. The operation, which made national headlines, centered on properties in Miami Lakes.

Calvo’s criticism highlights ongoing tensions about how Hialeah is portrayed in media and entertainment. The mayor said he’s concerned about perpetuating negative stereotypes about the predominantly Hispanic city of roughly 225,000 residents.

“We’ve worked hard to change perceptions about Hialeah,” Calvo said. “This kind of thing sets us back.”

The mayor has not specified what actions, if any, he plans to take regarding the film production. Local governments typically have limited authority over how they’re depicted in fictional works, though they can control filming permits within their jurisdictions.

Filmmakers routinely change locations for dramatic or logistical reasons, even when adapting true stories. The practice often draws criticism from affected communities who argue such changes perpetuate unfair stereotypes.

Calvo’s focus on the film comes as he begins his tenure leading South Florida’s sixth-largest city. News & Politics observers noted the unusual priority given recent challenges facing Hialeah, including infrastructure needs and budget pressures.

The mayor campaigned on improving Hialeah’s image and attracting new businesses to the city. His opposition to “The Rip” aligns with those goals, though critics question whether the attention might backfire by drawing more focus to the film.

Hialeah has long struggled with perceptions shaped by its portrayal in movies and television shows. City officials have repeatedly pushed back against what they consider unfair characterizations that don’t reflect the community’s diversity and economic progress.

The 2016 drug operation that inspired the film involved multiple law enforcement agencies and resulted in dozens of arrests. Federal prosecutors said the trafficking network moved substantial quantities of cocaine and other drugs through South Florida.

Miami Lakes, where the actual events occurred, has not publicly commented on the film’s location change. The community, known for its planned development and middle-class demographics, rarely appears in crime-focused entertainment.

Production details for “The Rip” remain limited, including casting and filming schedules. The project joins numerous other movies and television shows that have used South Florida as a backdrop for crime stories.

Calvo has not indicated whether he’s reached out to the film’s producers or distributors about his concerns. The mayor’s office said he remains committed to protecting Hialeah’s reputation and promoting positive narratives about the city.

The controversy reflects broader debates about representation and responsibility in entertainment industry portrayals of real communities. Similar disputes have emerged across South Florida when productions alter facts for dramatic effect.

As Calvo settles into office, his handling of the film issue could signal his administration’s approach to public relations and community advocacy challenges.