In the early hours of Friday, "La Lunita," a well-known bar-café in western Hialeah, was abruptly shut down following an extensive criminal investigation. Authorities have accused the establishment of being a front for illegal activities, including the unlawful sale of alcohol, drugs, and illegal gambling.
Described by many locals as a "constant problem," the venue became the target of a large-scale operation that resulted in 14 arrests, the involvement of multiple federal agencies, and the immediate closure of the bar. It is now under both administrative and criminal scrutiny.
The operation, dubbed "Operation Fallen Moon," involved Hialeah Police, agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), undercover investigators, and officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Unveiling the Illicit Operations
The coordinated police raid, bolstered by active arrest warrants, revealed what authorities have termed as an illegal enterprise operating in plain sight, masquerading as a popular neighborhood bar.
For weeks, the establishment had been under surveillance following numerous complaints from residents and media reports highlighting fights, disturbances, and criminal activities in the vicinity. CBS News Miami reported that investigations had been ongoing for weeks, notably after a shooting in the parking lot about a month ago.
Details of the Bust
At approximately 6:00 a.m. on Friday, law enforcement units executed a synchronized entry into La Lunita, where about 35 individuals were present, entertained by a DJ. Officers surrounded the venue, confiscated gambling machines, and arrested both employees and patrons allegedly involved in the illegal operations.
Telemundo 51 confirmed the operation concluded with 14 arrests, including the bar owner. Inside, authorities discovered drugs, unlicensed alcohol, and accounting records detailing payments for prohibited gambling machines.
The Scope of Arrests
Univision expanded on the list of those detained: the manager, assistant manager, a security guard identified by special agents as an active narcotics distributor, and two waitresses known as "Chicas B," reportedly hired to attract customers and encourage drink sales.
Police also apprehended individuals with outstanding warrants and others found in possession of controlled substances. Among the arrested were those accused of operating a criminal structure that combined drug trafficking, illegal alcohol sales, illicit gambling, and alleged exploitation of women employed at the bar.
A Long History of Trouble
The operation's execution surprised few local residents, many of whom believed the bar's closure was inevitable. Testimonies collected by N+ Univision Miami painted a picture of ongoing violence, open drug use, and prostitution: "La Lunita's reputation? Drugs, sex, prostitution. There's trouble every day. Fights, shootings, stabbings, everything," one neighbor lamented.
CBS News Miami reviewed 911 call logs linked to the bar's address, revealing reports of vehicle theft, assaults, vandalism, narcotics investigations, theft, and even a fire. One of the most severe incidents occurred on January 11, 2026, when a man named Dainel Odio allegedly shot at someone three times outside the bar. The suspect attempted to flee to Havana on an American Airlines flight but was apprehended before takeoff and remains in custody.
Illegal Alcohol and Drug Distribution
An official statement from Hialeah Police confirmed that alcohol was being sold without a proper license inside the bar. The raid also identified a security guard as actively involved in narcotics distribution. The Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco seized three gambling machines, although some sources claimed four, along with documents detailing profits from illicit activities.
ICE's Role in the Operation
ICE's involvement added another layer to the operation, resulting in three individuals being taken into federal custody. Univision and Telemundo confirmed these details, and CBS News Miami interviewed a woman identified as Nelly, a relative of one of those detained by ICE:
"I know of two," she mentioned regarding the detainees, adding that one had requested her to retrieve his truck due to fears of deportation to El Salvador.
To some residents, ICE's presence highlighted the extent of the clandestine activities purportedly occurring within the establishment.
The Aftermath and Future Investigations
Following the operation, officials posted a notice on the bar's door prohibiting any further business activities as the investigation continues. Univision Miami captured images of the venue being sealed, marking the end of what many felt was an overdue closure.
Nearby business owners expressed relief, with Ander León Español, who owns a neighboring store, stating, "Undoubtedly, it was a place that only brought trouble." Others chose not to speak on camera out of fear of retaliation, though they acknowledged that weekends were "unbearable" due to the bar's clientele.
The seized documentation, witness testimonies, and cross-referencing with earlier records suggest that "Operation Fallen Moon" may not yet be complete. Authorities are investigating whether those arrested were part of a larger network, if there were connections to other narcotics distribution points, and if third parties were involved in illegal gambling.
For now, La Lunita remains closed, serving as the focal point of a case that reveals how an ostensibly ordinary establishment turned—according to authorities—into a criminal hub sustained by community permissiveness, silence, and fear.
Understanding the Hialeah Operation
What led to the raid on La Lunita?
The raid was the culmination of weeks of investigation following numerous complaints from residents about illegal activities, including drug sales, unlicensed alcohol distribution, and gambling, occurring at the bar.
Who were some of the key figures arrested?
Among those arrested were the manager, assistant manager, a security guard involved in drug distribution, and two waitresses used to attract customers. The bar owner was also detained.
How did the community respond to the bar's closure?
Many local residents expressed relief at the closure, viewing it as an end to a longstanding source of trouble. However, some were reluctant to speak publicly due to fear of retaliation.