Hialeah Pushes Back on Netflix Film Inspired by Miami Lakes Drug Bust

The mayor of Hialeah is speaking out against a new Netflix movie inspired by a major 2016 drug bust, saying the film risks unfairly portraying the city.

“The Rip,” starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, is loosely based on a Miami-Dade police raid in Miami Lakes that resulted in the largest cash seizure in county history. While the real event took place in Miami Lakes, the production reportedly chose Hialeah as a filming location due to its “iconic” image.

Mayor Esteban Bovo’s office responded forcefully, stating that Hialeah is “not a stereotype” and emphasizing that it is one of the safest cities in Florida. City officials warned that if the film crosses into defamation or deliberate misrepresentation, legal options may be pursued.

According to the film’s synopsis, the story follows Miami-Dade police officers who uncover millions of dollars hidden in a stash house, leading to internal tensions within the department. Like many films based on true events, “The Rip” takes creative liberties.

The real-life case occurred on June 28, 2016, when authorities raided a Miami Lakes home and discovered more than $21 million hidden in buckets inside a concealed attic. The investigation centered on Luis Hernandez-Gonzalez, who operated a hydroponics store in Miami-Dade and was accused of assisting marijuana traffickers.

In 2018, Hernandez-Gonzalez accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to money laundering and structuring bank deposits. Drug trafficking charges were dropped, and he was allowed to keep significant assets. He was later sentenced to 65 months in federal prison.

While the film is now streaming on Netflix, Hialeah leaders say they will closely monitor how the city is portrayed and defend its reputation if necessary.