The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode: #BecauseMiami: The City of Progress Release Date: June 13, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz delve deep into the intricate and often controversial landscape of Miami's sister city, Hialeah. Titled "#BecauseMiami: The City of Progress," the episode offers listeners a riveting exploration of corruption, law enforcement challenges, and the cultural fabric that defines Hialeah. Through in-depth interviews and insightful commentary, the show sheds light on the city's complexities and its impact on the broader Miami-Dade community.

Unveiling Corruption in Hialeah

The episode opens with a stark revelation of financial misconduct within the Hialeah Police Department. A former top cop, Sergio Velazquez, faces serious allegations:

• Billy Corben introduces the issue: “About five years after that interview, prosecutors now claim the former top cop was a fraud and thief. Prosecutors revealed over $3 million are missing or unaccounted for within the department...” (00:05).

• George Colina emphasizes the gravity of the charges: “Structuring transactions to evade reporting or registration requirements. That's a first-degree felony...” (00:47).

The discussion highlights the extent of the alleged embezzlement, including lavish expenditures on high-end brands and substantial cash deposits made into Velazquez's personal accounts. The hosts question the oversight mechanisms within the department and the municipal administration that allowed such activities to go unchecked for years.

Interview with Former Mayor Raul Martinez

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to an interview with Raul Martinez, the former mayor of Hialeah, who served nearly two decades in office. Martinez provides an insider's perspective on the systemic issues plaguing the city:

• Billy Corben probes into Martinez's decision regarding Sergio Velazquez: “In 2004... you had an opportunity to fire Sergio Velasquez. You didn't. Do you regret it?” (05:51).

• Raul Martinez reflects on his tenure: “Hialeah is a really unique place... over 85, between 85 and 90% of the population is Cuban American...” (06:18). He discusses the challenges of governing a predominantly Cuban-American community and the socio-political dynamics that influenced his decisions.

Martinez candidly addresses the corruption within the police department, detailing the intricate web of deceit involving former mayors Julio Robina and Carlos Hernandez. He recounts:

• The manipulation of financial systems by Hernandez, including the infamous incident where Hernandez attempted to pay his ethics fine with “$4,000 in pennies” (07:06).

• The complicity of former police chief Sergio Velazquez and the systemic failures that allowed significant funds to go missing (00:05).

Martinez expresses deep regret over not taking decisive action against Velazquez earlier, acknowledging the long-term ramifications of his decision.

Culture of Fear in Hialeah's Police Department

The conversation transitions to the current state of the Hialeah Police Department, featuring insights from George Colina, the former Miami Police Chief and founder of the George Collina Group:

• Billy Corben introduces Colina and the topic: “...you recently did the subject of our show today, an assessment of the Hialeah Police Department...” (26:41).

• George Colina describes the toxic environment: “It was pretty sad... the vast majority of the people we interviewed appeared to be very dedicated to the city... but felt afraid...” (27:03).

Colina elaborates on the pervasive fear among officers and civilians within the department, attributing it to the authoritarian leadership of former Chief Sergio Velasquez, who was reportedly involved in Santeria rituals and used intimidation tactics to suppress dissent.

Notable Quotes:

• Colina on departmental fear: “People were afraid of being fired. They were afraid of a spell being cast on them...” (29:32).
• Martinez on the impact of corruption: “$3 million are missing. Now you're going to tell me that the auditors didn't pick it up...” (22:26).

The assessment by Colina highlights how such an environment not only hampers effective law enforcement but also erodes trust between the police and the community they serve.

Recent Developments and Broader Implications

The episode concludes with a discussion on recent incidents reflecting ongoing challenges in Miami-Dade:

• Roy brings up a recent cockfighting ring bust in southwest Miami-Dade, questioning the state of law enforcement and public safety: “...42 people were arrested there. They had, like, 72 birds that they found on site for the cockfighting ring...” (38:36).

• The hosts segue into a segment featuring Vincent Scardina, a Trump supporter and small business owner from Key West, who shares his frustrations with ICE detaining his workers: “...six Nicaraguan men... were detained... they have their paperwork in order with pending asylum cases...” (41:42).

These discussions underscore the ongoing struggles with corruption, ineffective law enforcement, and the human impact of stringent immigration policies within the Miami metropolitan area.

Concluding Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Dan Le Batard and Stugotz skillfully navigate the murky waters of Hialeah's political and law enforcement landscape. By incorporating firsthand accounts from key figures like Raul Martinez and George Colina, the show paints a vivid picture of a city grappling with systemic corruption and cultural challenges.

The inclusion of current events, such as the crackdown on cockfighting and the plight of immigrant workers, ties the historical issues to present-day concerns, emphasizing that the struggles of Hialeah are reflective of broader national themes. The episode serves as both a historical recount and a call to action, urging listeners to recognize and address the underlying issues that hinder progress in one of Miami-Dade's most influential municipalities.

Notable Quotes:

• Billy Corben on Hialeah's uniqueness: “Hialeah is like some inception shit...” (00:05).
• Raul Martinez on leadership failures: “Why don't they charge him with RICO and go back 10 years?” (23:40).
• George Colina on police morale: “People are afraid to speak up because you don't know who might be offended...” (38:33).

Timestamps Overview:

• 00:00 – Opening discussion on police corruption
• 05:51 – Interview with Raul Martinez begins
• 22:26 – Martinez discusses missing funds
• 26:41 – Introduction of George Colina
• 29:32 – Discussion on Santeria and police fears
• 38:36 – Recent cockfighting ring bust
• 41:42 – Vincent Scardina's segment on ICE detentions

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the socio-political dynamics of Miami and its sister cities, offering an unflinching look at the challenges that come with progress in a diverse and rapidly changing environment.