The Mayor of Hialeah, Bryan Calvo, has publicly criticized the newly released Netflix film, The Rip, for what he perceives as an offensive and distorted portrayal of the city, claiming it mocks Hialeah's cultural identity.
"It's pronounced hi-a-lee-ah," Mayor Calvo declared at the start of a joint press conference with Hialeah Police Chief George Fuente, addressing one of the most talked-about scenes in the film where the city's name is mispronounced. This was reported by local channel Telemundo 51.
The controversy arises because, although The Rip is inspired by a real police raid that took place in Miami Lakes in 2016, the filmmakers chose to set the story in Hialeah, using exact replicas of uniforms, patrol cars, and the official emblem of the local Police Department within a context of corruption and violence.
Calvo criticized Netflix for associating Hialeah with crime, despite the real events not occurring there. "Why Hialeah? Because it's iconic. They needed our strength and status to make the film relevant," he asserted, while emphasizing that the movie is a work of fiction.
The mayor emphasized that Hialeah has been "the target of jokes" for decades, but insisted that his administration would not allow this narrative to persist about the most Latino city in the United States, which is predominantly home to Cuban families.
"This movie is a slap in the face to our police personnel," he stated, before presenting official statistics that position Hialeah as the safest large city in South Florida, the second safest among large cities in the state, and among the top 15% safest in the country.
Police Chief George Fuente supported the mayor's remarks and defended the department's daily work, highlighting their commitment to transparency and community protection.
Mayor Calvo also extended a direct invitation to the producers of The Rip and actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck to visit the city. "Let them come see what Hialeah really is," he expressed.
Directed by Joe Carnahan, The Rip tells the story of officers who uncover millions in cash during a raid, inspired by the true case of former officer Chris Casiano and the seizure of over $21 million in a Miami Lakes home.
As with other productions based on real events, the movie takes creative liberties, including depicting a bullet-riddled city sign that doesn't exist. Telemundo noted that the mayor plans to sue the production company over this portrayal.
The film is currently available on Netflix, while the controversy continues to grow among local residents and authorities who question how Hialeah—a city where 98 percent of the population is Spanish-speaking—is once again portrayed in popular culture.
Controversy Surrounding The Rip and Hialeah
Why is the Mayor of Hialeah upset with The Rip?
Mayor Bryan Calvo is upset because he believes the film portrays an offensive and inaccurate image of Hialeah, associating it with crime and mocking its cultural identity.
What is the real event that inspired The Rip?
The Rip is inspired by a real police raid that occurred in Miami Lakes in 2016, involving the discovery of millions of dollars in cash.
How has the Hialeah Police Department responded to the film?
Police Chief George Fuente backed the mayor's statements, emphasizing the department's dedication to transparency and safeguarding the community.