
Federal agents raided the Providence law office of Central Falls Municipal Court Judge Joseph Molina Flynn, leading to his immediate resignation. The search, conducted by the FBI and Homeland Security, remains shrouded in secrecy as officials declined to disclose the nature of the investigation.
Several black SUVs and police vehicles were spotted outside the downtown office as agents entered the building and later emerged carrying multiple boxes of documents and electronic devices sealed in evidence bags. According to officials, the search was authorized by a federal court, though no criminal charges have been filed against Molina Flynn at this time.
Video footage of the raid, shared on social media by local journalists, showed federal agents carrying out boxes of materials from the law office. The footage sparked widespread speculation online about the nature of the investigation.
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 announced Molina Flynn’s resignation shortly after the raid, stating it was necessary to maintain the integrity of the municipal court. Rivera, who appointed him to the bench in 2021, expressed concern over the investigation but emphasized her commitment to transparency.
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, came to the US on a tourist visa as a child and later obtained citizenship after years of undocumented status. In addition to serving as a judge, he runs a law firm specializing in immigration, family, and criminal cases with offices in Providence and Boston.
The Central Falls Municipal Court has appointed Associate Judge Robert McConnell to handle cases in Molina Flynn’s absence. Meanwhile, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel has acknowledged awareness of the raid but has not confirmed whether any disciplinary actions are under consideration.
The ongoing investigation has attracted national attention, with many questioning the potential implications of the case given Molina Flynn’s background in immigration law. Reports indicate that additional details may emerge as federal authorities continue their probe.