Federal agents from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security raided the office of immigration attorney Joseph Molina Flynn in Providence, Rhode Island, on Thursday. Jim Martin, spokesperson for U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha’s office, confirmed that there was court-authorized activity at the location but did not provide further details. Martin also declined to comment when contacted by Newsweek.
Molina Flynn, who previously served as a municipal court judge in Central Falls, resigned from his position shortly after the raid took place. The incident comes during increased scrutiny of sanctuary cities like Providence, which have been under federal focus in the ongoing national discussion regarding immigration enforcement. Flynn is known for representing clients in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and is a significant figure in local immigration law.
Various sources reported that Molina Flynn’s office was the target of the raid. The event quickly gained attention on social media. Brian Crandall, a reporter for NBC10 in Providence, shared information about the raid on X, formerly Twitter. His post included a video showing law enforcement at the office building and has received over 400,000 views. Crandall later posted another video showing federal agents removing boxes from Molina Flynn’s office, noting that officials did not disclose the specific focus of the raid.
Joseph Molina Flynn is recognized as the first openly gay and formerly undocumented person to serve as a judge in Central Falls. Originally from Colombia, he came to the United States at age nine on a visitor’s visa, which he overstayed, leading to his undocumented status. After moving to Central Falls and later Pawtucket, he faced challenges such as a language barrier during his education. Despite these difficulties, Molina Flynn excelled academically, graduating summa cum laude with a B.S. in accounting from Johnson & Wales University and earning a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School.
In 2015, he established Molina Flynn Law Offices, focusing on immigration, family, and criminal law. He also serves as a “crimmigration” consultant and is an adjunct professor at Roger Williams University School of Law.
The Rhode Island Courts spokesperson Lexi Kriss informed Newsweek that the Office of Disciplinary Counsel is aware of the raid but noted that Molina Flynn has not been charged with any crime at this time. Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera commented on Molina Flynn’s resignation, stating that transparency and accountability are essential priorities for her and that his resignation was necessary to maintain the integrity of the Municipal Court.
Following Flynn’s resignation, Associate Judge Robert McConnell has been temporarily appointed to oversee cases at the Central Falls Municipal Court. The specifics surrounding the federal investigation remain unclear.
