Federal agents conducted a court-authorized raid at the Providence law office of Central Falls Municipal Court Judge Joseph Molina Flynn on Thursday, prompting his immediate resignation. Molina Flynn, known for his work in immigration law, stepped down shortly after agents from the FBI and Homeland Security seized documents and electronic devices from his office.
Multiple black SUVs and local police vehicles were seen outside the building during the raid. Footage shared by local news outlets captured agents entering and exiting the office, carrying out boxes wrapped in pink evidence bags. Authorities have not disclosed the reason for the investigation, but sources indicated that it began before President Donald Trump resumed office.
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 addressed the situation, expressing concern over the federal investigation. She emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, confirming Molina Flynn’s resignation and announcing that Associate Judge Robert McConnell would take over his duties in the municipal court.
Molina Flynn, originally from Colombia, entered the US on a tourist visa at the age of 9 and remained undocumented for 15 years before obtaining permanent residency and eventually citizenship. In addition to his judicial role, he established a law firm focusing on immigration, family, and criminal law, with offices in Providence and Boston.
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
The Rhode Island Office of Disciplinary Counsel acknowledged awareness of the situation, confirming that Molina Flynn has not been criminally charged at this time. The US Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island also confirmed the raid but declined to provide additional details regarding the investigation.
According to reports, Molina Flynn was appointed to the bench in 2021 by Mayor Rivera and oversaw the city’s traffic cases. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Roger Williams University School of Law, where he teaches a course on immigration and criminal law intersections.
