
Federal agents raided the Providence law office of Joseph Molina Flynn, a Central Falls municipal judge known for his immigration law practice, leading to his resignation on Thursday. FBI and Homeland Security officials executed a court-authorized search at his office, removing boxes filled with documents and electronic devices.
Eyewitnesses saw several black SUVs and law enforcement vehicles surrounding the downtown building as agents entered and exited with evidence. Video footage of the operation was posted online, capturing agents loading materials wrapped in pink evidence bags into vehicles. Federal officials have not disclosed details about the investigation, but sources revealed it began prior to President Donald Trump taking office again.
Immigration Attorney Joseph MOLINA Flynn, licensed in both Massachusetts & Rhode Island had his office raided by Homeland Security & the FBI today.
He resigned his position as a Municipal Court Judge within hours of the raid. That was quick 🤔 pic.twitter.com/eujk6EScsB
— ♥️🇺🇸 𝓒𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓪 🇮🇹♥️ (@CB618444) January 24, 2025
Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera responded to the development by stating the resignation was necessary to maintain public trust in the municipal court. Rivera, who appointed Molina Flynn to the bench in 2021, announced that Associate Judge Robert McConnell will temporarily handle court matters.
NEW: Reports of Homeland Security agents and the FBI raid office of a known Providence immigration lawyer.
The building houses the offices of Joseph Molina Flynn, an immigration lawyer in Massachusetts and Rhode Island who serves as a municipal court judge in Central Falls.… pic.twitter.com/lmpGMChVmL
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) January 23, 2025
Molina Flynn, originally from Colombia, entered the US on a tourist visa as a child and lived undocumented for 15 years before gaining legal status and citizenship. He founded his law firm in 2015, focusing on immigration, family, and criminal cases with offices in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The Rhode Island Office of Disciplinary Counsel confirmed awareness of the raid but stated that no criminal charges have been filed against Molina Flynn. The US Attorney’s Office acknowledged the court-authorized search but did not provide additional details regarding its purpose.
Flynn, who also serves as an adjunct professor at Roger Williams University School of Law, was the first formerly undocumented person to hold a judicial position in the state.