United States Marshals Service Explained

Agencyname:United States Marshals Service
Commonname:U.S. Marshals
Abbreviation:USMS
Logocaption:Seal of the U.S. Marshals Service
Badge:US Marshal Badge.png
Badgecaption:Badge of a deputy U.S. marshal
Flag:Flag of the United States Marshals Service.svg
Flagcaption:Flag of the U.S. Marshals Service
Motto:Justice, Integrity, Service
Country:United States
Federal:Yes
Constitution1:United States Code, Title 28, Chapter 37
Headquarters:Crystal City, Arlington County, Virginia, U.S.
Chief1name:Ronald L. Davis
Chief1position:Director
Chief2name:Mark Pittella
Chief2position:Deputy Director (Acting)[1]
Parentagency:Department of Justice

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is a federal law enforcement agency in the United States. The Marshals Service serves as the enforcement and security arm of the U.S. federal judiciary, although it is an agency of the U.S. Department of Justice and operates under the direction of the U.S. Attorney General.[2] It is the oldest U.S. federal law enforcement agency, created by the Judiciary Act of 1789 during the presidency of George Washington as the "Office of the United States Marshal".[3] The USMS as it stands today was established in 1969 to provide guidance and assistance to U.S. Marshals throughout the federal judicial districts.

The Marshals Service is primarily responsible for locating and arresting federal suspects, the administration of fugitive operations, the management of criminal assets, the operation of the United States Federal Witness Protection Program and the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System, the protection of federal courthouses and judicial personnel, and the protection of senior government officials through the Office of Protective Operations. Throughout its history the Marshals have also provided unique security and enforcement services including protecting African American students enrolling in the South during the civil rights movement, escort security for United States Air Force LGM-30 Minuteman missile convoys, law enforcement for the United States Antarctic Program, and protection of the Strategic National Stockpile.[4]

History

Origins

The office of United States Marshal was created by the First Congress. President George Washington signed the Judiciary Act into law on September 24, 1789.[5] The Act provided that a United States Marshal's primary function was to execute all lawful warrants issued to him under the authority of the United States. The law defined marshals as officers of the courts charged with assisting federal courts in their law-enforcement functions:

Six days after signing the act into law, President Washington appointed the first thirteen U.S. Marshals, for each of the then extant federal districts.[6] [7] To each of his appointees for Marshal and District Attorney, the president addressed a form letter:

The critical Supreme Court decision affirming the legal authority of the federal marshals was made in .

For over 100 years marshals were patronage jobs, typically controlled by the district judge. They were paid primarily by fees until a salary system was set up in 1896.[8] Many of the first U.S. Marshals had already proven themselves in military service during the American Revolutionary War. Among the first marshals were John Adams's son-in-law Congressman William Stephens Smith for the District of New York, another New York district marshal, Congressman Thomas Morris, and Henry Dearborn for the District of Maine.

From the nation's earliest days, marshals were permitted to recruit special deputies as local hires, or as temporary transfers to the Marshals Service from other federal law-enforcement agencies. Marshals were also authorized to swear in a posse to assist with manhunts, and other duties, ad hoc. Marshals were given extensive authority to support the federal courts within their judicial districts, and to carry out all lawful orders issued by federal judges, Congress, or the President. Federal marshals were by far the most important government officials in territorial jurisdictions. Local law enforcement officials were often called "marshals" so there is often an ambiguity whether someone was a federal or a local official.

Federal marshals are most famous for their law enforcement work, but that was only a minor part of their workload. The largest part of the business was paper work—serving writs (e.g., subpoenas, summonses, warrants), and other processes issued by the courts, making arrests and handling all federal prisoners. They also disbursed funds as ordered by the courts. Marshals paid the fees and expenses of the court clerks, U.S. Attorneys, jurors, and witnesses. They rented the courtrooms and jail space, and hired the bailiffs, criers, and janitors. They made sure the prisoners were present, the jurors were available, and that the witnesses were on time. The marshals thus provided local representation for the federal government within their districts. They took the national census every decade through 1870. They distributed presidential proclamations, collected a variety of statistical information on commerce and manufacturing, supplied the names of government employees for the national register, and performed other routine tasks needed for the central government to function effectively.

19th century

During the settlement of the American frontier, marshals served as the main source of day-to-day law enforcement in areas that had no local government of their own.[9] U.S. Marshals were instrumental in keeping law and order in the "Old West" era. They were involved in apprehending desperadoes such as Bill Doolin, Ned Christie, and in 1893, the infamous Dalton Gang after a shoot-out that left dead Deputy Marshals Ham Hueston and Lafe Shadley, and posse member Dick Speed. Individual deputy marshals have been seen as legendary heroes in the face of rampant lawlessness (see Notable marshals below) with Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Dallas Stoudenmire, and Bass Reeves as examples of well-known marshals. Bill Tilghman, Heck Thomas, and Chris Madsen formed a legendary law enforcement trio known as "Three Guardsmen" when they worked together policing the vast, lawless Oklahoma and Indian Territories.

Until its repeal in 1864, the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 tasked marshals to accept an affidavit on its face to recover a fugitive slave.

On October 26, 1881, Deputy U.S. Marshal Virgil Earp, his brothers, Special Deputy U.S. Marshals Morgan and Wyatt Earp, and Special Deputy U.S. Marshal John "Doc" H. Holliday gunned down Frank and Tom McLaury and Billy Clanton in the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. In 1894, U.S. Marshals helped suppress the Pullman Strike.

Marshals of the Consular Court

During the 19th century, the United States government appointed marshals to be attached to the courts of American consulates in China, the Ottoman Empire, and Siam. The duties of these marshals included settling shipboard disputes and mutinies aboard American vessels, the apprehension of runaway sailors and American crews engaged in the illegal slave trade, adjusting claims for damages caused by American sailors to natives, and the rescue of natives kidnapped for slavery by Americans.[10]

20th century

During the 1920s, U.S. Marshals enforced Prohibition. Marshals registered enemy aliens in wartime, sealed the American border against armed expeditions from foreign countries, and at times during the Cold War also swapped spies with the Soviet Union.

In the 1960s the marshals were on the front lines of the civil rights movement, mainly providing protection to volunteers. In September 1962, President John F. Kennedy ordered 127 marshals to accompany James Meredith, an African American who wished to register at the segregated University of Mississippi. Their presence on campus provoked riots at the university, but the marshals stood their ground, and Meredith registered. Marshals provided continuous protection to Meredith during his first year at Ole Miss, and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy later proudly displayed a deputy marshal's dented helmet in his office. U.S. Marshals also protected black school children integrating public schools in the South. Artist Norman Rockwell's famous painting The Problem We All Live With depicted a tiny Ruby Bridges being escorted by four towering United States Marshals in 1964.

Until 1965, each U.S. district court hired and administered its own marshals independently from all others. In 1965, the Executive Office for U.S. Marshals, was created as "the first organization to supervise U.S. Marshals nationwide". The United States Marshals Service, a federal agency, was created in 1969.[11] [12] Since June 1975, the Marshals Service has the mission of providing law enforcement support and escort security to United States Air Force LGM-30 Minuteman and missile systems from military facilities.[13]

In 1985, the Marshals Service partnered with local Washington, D.C. law enforcement officers to create Operation Flagship, arresting fugitives by using faked free tickets to a local American football game as a lure.[14] In 1989, the Marshals Service was given jurisdiction over crimes committed relating to U.S. personnel in Antarctica.[15] During the 1992 Los Angeles riots, 200 deputy marshals of the tactical unit Special Operations Group were dispatched to assist local and state authorities in restoring peace and order throughout Los Angeles County, California.[16] In the 1990s, deputy marshals protected abortion clinics.[17] [18] [19]

21st century

Marshals have protected American athletes at Olympic Games,[20] the refugee boy Elián González before his return to Cuba in 2000,[21] and abortion clinics[22] [23] as required by federal law. In 2003, Marshals retrieved North Carolina's copy of the Bill of Rights.[24]

In 2002, the Marshals Service was tasked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide protective security and law enforcement capabilities in the protection of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), such as warehouses, materiel and CDC personnel during deployment. Marshals also provide secure transportation of critical medical supplies and bio-terrorism response resources throughout the nation.[25] Senior Inspectors of the U.S. Marshals Service SNS Security Operations (SNSSO) Program have deployed to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and responded during the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009. SNSSO Senior Inspectors have also staffed National Security Special Events (NSSE) with their state, local and other federal partners on a regular basis.[26]

In 2006, the Sex Offenders Investigations Branch (SOIB) was formed on July 27 with the passage of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act (AWA). The SOIB carries out the USMS's three principal responsibilities under the AWA: assist state, local, tribal and territorial authorities in the location and apprehension of non-compliant and fugitive sex offenders; investigate violations of the act for federal prosecution, and assist in the identification and location of sex offenders relocated as a result of a major disaster. To ensure the safety of communities and children across the country, the USMS has implemented an aggressive enforcement strategy for its responsibilities under the AWA.[27] This branch apprehends sex offenders, primarily those who prey on minors. Offenders are apprehended due to failure to register, among other things.

In February 2017, Marshals began providing protective security to United States Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, the first time since 2009 that a United States Cabinet-level official has been provided security by the Marshals.[28] Marshals were deployed to keep order in Washington, D.C. during the George Floyd protests on May 31, 2020,[29] as well as during the January 6 United States Capitol attack.[30]

2024 Charlotte shootout

See main article: 2024 Charlotte shootout. On April 29, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina one Marshal, two Department of Adult Corrections officers, and one local police officer on a task force were killed serving a warrant on a man for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Four Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers were wounded.[31]

Duties and responsibilities

The Marshals Service is responsible for apprehending wanted fugitives, providing protection for the federal judiciary, transporting federal prisoners, protecting endangered federal witnesses, and managing assets seized from criminal enterprises.[32] The Marshals Service is responsible for 55.2% of arrests of federal fugitives. Between 1981 and 1985, the Marshals Service conducted Fugitive Investigative Strike Team operations to jump-start fugitive capture in specific districts. In 2012, U.S. marshals captured over 36,000 federal fugitives and cleared over 39,000 fugitive warrants.[33]

The Marshals Service also executes all lawful writs, processes, and orders issued under the authority of the United States, and can command all necessary assistance to execute its duties.

Historically, under Section 27 of the Judiciary Act of 1789 U.S. Marshals had the common law-based power to enlist any willing civilians as deputies for necessary assistance in the execution of their duties.[34] In the Old West this was known as forming a posse, although under the Posse Comitatus Act, they could not use military troops in uniform representing their unit or the military service for law enforcement duties. However, if a service member was off duty, wearing civilian clothing, and willing to assist a law enforcement officer on their own behalf, it was acceptable. In contemporary times, the deputation of a civilian would be extraordinarily unusual. However, the Director of the United States Marshals Service currently has the statutory authority to deputize (for one year) selected officers of the United States Department of Justice; federal, state, or local law enforcement officers; employees of private security companies to provide courtroom security for the Federal judiciary; or other persons as designated by the United States Associate Attorney General.

Title 28 USC Chapter 37 § 564 authorizes United States Marshals, deputy marshals and such other officials of the Service as may be designated by the Director, in executing the laws of the United States within a State, to exercise the same powers which a sheriff of the State may exercise in executing the laws thereof.

Except for suits by incarcerated persons, non-prisoner litigants proceeding in forma pauperis, or (in some circumstances) by seamen, U.S. Marshals no longer serve leading process or subpoenas in private civil actions filed in the U.S. district courts. Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, process may be served by any U.S. citizen over the age of 18 who is not a party involved in the case. The Marshals still levy executions and serve writs of garnishment.

Witness Protection Program

See also: United States Federal Witness Protection Program. A chief responsibility of the Marshals is the United States Federal Witness Protection Program.

Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 amends the federal judicial code to authorize the United States Marshals Service to assist state, local, tribal, and other federal law enforcement agencies, upon request, in locating and recovering missing children. The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act also established The Missing Child Unit of The Marshals Service.[35]

Fugitive programs

The Marshals Service publicizes the names of wanted persons it places on the list of U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted Fugitives,[36] which is similar to and sometimes overlaps the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Most Wanted List, depending on jurisdiction.[37]

The 15 Most Wanted Fugitive Program was established in 1983 in an effort to prioritize the investigation and apprehension of high-profile offenders who are considered to be some of the country's most dangerous fugitives. These offenders tend to be career criminals with histories of violence or whose instant offense(s) pose a significant threat to public safety. Current and past fugitives in this program include murderers, sex offenders, major drug kingpins, organized crime figures, and individuals wanted for high-profile financial crimes.

The Major Case Fugitive Program was established in 1985 in an effort to supplement the successful 15 Most Wanted Fugitive Program. Much like the 15 Most Wanted Fugitive Program, the Major Case Fugitive Program prioritizes the investigation and apprehension of high-profile offenders who are considered to be some of the country's most dangerous individuals. All escapes from custody are automatically elevated to Major Case status.[38]

The Wall Street Journal reported on November 14, 2014, that the Marshals Service's Technical Operations Group utilizes a so-called dirtbox to track fugitives.[39]

Special Operations Group

The Special Operations Group (SOG) was created in 1971,[40] and is the Marshals Service's tactical unit. It is a self-supporting response team capable of responding to emergencies anywhere in the U.S. or its territories.[41]

Most of the deputy marshals who have volunteered to be SOG members serve as full-time deputies in Marshals Service offices throughout the nation, and they remain on call 24 hours a day. The SOG also maintains a small, full-time operational cadre stationed at the Marshals Service Tactical Operations Center at Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville, Louisiana, where all deputies undergo extensive, specialized training in tactics and weaponry.[42]

Deputies must meet rigorous physical and mental standards. The group's missions include: apprehending fugitives, protecting dignitaries, providing court security, transporting high-profile and dangerous prisoners, providing witness security, and seizing assets.

Office of Protective Operations

The Office of Protective Operations (OPO) is the United States Marshals Service's preeminent expert on physical protection. OPO provides subject matter expertise, guidance, and direct action support to district offices on high-threat/-profile proceedings and risk-/threat-based protective operations. The footprint is national, covering all twelve federal judicial circuits across the country,[43] with the ability to project globally.

Currently, the OPO is responsible for two permanent risk-based protection details for the Deputy Attorney General (DAG) and the Secretary of Education (SecEd), respectively.[44] [45]

These Senior Inspectors routinely deploy across the U.S. and around the globe to protect the DAG[45] and Secretary of Education. They lead security for nominees to the U.S. Supreme Court through the pendency of the nomination, which are often fraught with threats of violence and protests.[46] They also provide security for sitting U.S. Supreme Court Justices, when those Justices are farther than 50 miles from Washington, D.C., where the U.S. Supreme Court Police have statutory protection authority.[47] [48] [49] As a result, they develop a deep expertise in protective operations and partner extensively with the U.S. Secret Service, Diplomatic Security Service, along with local, state, federal, and foreign law enforcement and security agencies.

In 2019, the Trump administration investigated the feasibility of shifting protective responsibility for many government officials to the U.S. Marshals.[50] [51]

Training and equipment

Training

Marshals Service hiring is competitive and comparable to the selection process for Special Agent positions in agencies with similar duties. Typically fewer than five percent of qualified applicants are hired and must possess at a minimum a four-year bachelor's degree or competitive work experience (which is usually three or more years at a local or state police department). While the USMS's hiring process is not entirely public, applicants must pass a written test, an oral board interview, an extensive background investigation, a medical examination and drug test, and multiple Fitness In Total (FIT) exams to be selected for training.[52] Deputy U.S. Marshals complete a 18-week training program at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.[53]

Firearms and protective gear

The primary handgun for marshals is usually a Glock 22. Deputy Marshals may also carry a backup gun, but it must meet certain requirements.[54] Deputy Marshals are also equipped with body armor and collapsible batons for daily use, and ballistic shields, helmets, and protective goggles for serving high risk warrants.

Members of the U.S. Marshal SOG Teams are armed with The Staccato Model P 2011 pistols in 9mm Parabellum. They have both a full size with a red dot sight as well as a smaller, more concealable version for covert operations. In 2019, the SOG adopted the STI 2011, a 1911 platform of pistol that is modified for USMS SOG needs.[55]

All marshals have a variety of AR-platform rifles, shotguns, and less-lethal options available for their use. Recently, the service has introduced a body-worn camera (BWC) program. Marshals are issued various body armor including a concealable vest, a tactical vest that accepts their soft-armor panels and rifle plates, as well as a rifle plate only carrier depending on their needs. Ballistic helmets and shields are also available.

Surveillance airplanes

The U.S. Marshals Service has planes registered under a front company named Early Detection Alarm Systems, which has an address of a UPS Store mailbox in Spring, Texas. This operation has been in place since at least 2007, and by 2014 were based in five airports across the country.[56] [57] [58]

The planes tend to fly in a tight circle; GPS/radio trackers, cameras, video recorder, and video transmitter installations are documented. It is also presumed to include an IMSI-catcher such as the Stingray phone tracker or the Boeing DRTbox (Dirtbox), which are used by the Marshals' Technical Operations Group.[59] [56] [57] [60]

Observed locations of U.S. Marshals planes:

Organization

The Marshals Service is based in Arlington County, Virginia, and, under the authority of the Attorney General, is headed by a director, who is assisted by a deputy director. The Director is supervised by the Deputy Attorney General. The Marshals Service headquarters provides command, control, and cooperation for the disparate elements of the service.

Headquarters

Federal judicial districts

The U.S. court system is divided into 94 federal judicial districts, each with a district court (except the territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which share a U.S. Marshal). For each district there is a presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed United States Marshal, a Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal (GS-14 or 15) (and an Assistant Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal in certain larger districts), Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshals (GS-13),[62] and as many deputy U.S. Marshals (GS-7 and above)[62] and special deputy U.S. Marshals as needed. In the United States federal budget for 2005, funds for 3,067 deputy marshals and criminal investigators were provided. The U.S. Marshal for each United States courts of appeals (the 13 circuit courts) is the U.S. Marshal in whose district that court is physically located.

The director and each United States Marshal are appointed by the President of the United States and subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate. The District U.S. Marshal is traditionally appointed from a list of qualified law enforcement personnel for that district or state. Each state has at least one district, while several larger states have three or more.

Personnel

Titles

Agency executives

Marshals

Deputy Marshals

Deputy U.S. Marshals start their careers at the GS-7 pay grade.[62] After the first year in grade, they are promoted to GS-9, then to GS-11 after a second year, and then to GS-12 after a third year. Once deputies reach the GS-11 pay grade, they are reclassified as 1811 Criminal Investigators.[63] Criminal Investigators work additional hours and receive an additional 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay on top of their base pay.

Duties performed include criminal investigations, execution of warrants, and other investigative operations. They also protect government officials, process seized assets of crime rings for investigative agencies, and relocate and arrange new identities for federal witnesses in the United States Federal Witness Protection Program, which is headed by the USMS. After Congress passed the Adam Walsh Act, the U.S. Marshals Service was chosen to head the new federal sex offender tracking and prosecution team.

Special Deputy Marshals

The Director of the United States Marshals Service is authorized to deputize the following persons to perform the functions of a Deputy U.S. Marshal in any district designated by the Director:

Coast Guard as Deputy Marshals

Commissioned officers in the United States Coast Guard may be appointed as United States Deputy Marshals in Alaska.

Court Security Officers

Court Security Officers (CSOs) are contracted former law enforcement officers who receive limited deputations as armed Special Deputy Marshals and play a role in courthouse security.[64] Using security screening systems, Court Security Officers attempt to detect and intercept weapons and other prohibited items that individuals attempt to bring into federal courthouses. There are more than 5,000 Court Security Officers with certified law enforcement experience deployed at more than 400 federal court facilities in the United States and its territories.

Inspectors

The Marshal Service has the positions of Inspector,[65] Senior Inspector[66] [67] and Chief Inspector,[68] depending on the duties and position to which a Deputy Marshal has been assigned to.This title was created for promotions within the service usually for senior non-supervisory personnel. Senior Deputy Marshals assigned to regional fugitive task forces or working in special assignments requiring highly skilled criminal investigators often receive the title Inspector. Operational non-supervisory employees assigned to the Witness Protection Program are given the title Senior Inspector. Deputy Marshals assigned to the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) department within the USMS also hold the title of Senior Inspector. Senior Inspectors receive a GS-13 pay grade level.

Line-of-duty deaths

More than 200 U.S. Marshals, deputy marshals, and special deputy marshals have been killed in the line of duty since Marshal Robert Forsyth was shot dead by an intended recipient of court papers in Augusta, Georgia, on January 11, 1794.[69] He was the first U.S. federal law enforcement officer to be killed in the line of duty.[70] The dead are remembered on an Honor Roll permanently displayed at Headquarters.

Notable marshals and deputy marshals

Criticism and controversy

Inspector General audits

An audit by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) (November 2010) of the Justice Department found "weaknesses in the USMS's efforts to secure federal court facilities in the six USMS district offices we visited".[73] The report found, among other things, that the Marshals Service's Judicial Security Division had contracted private security firms to provide Court Security Officers without having completed background checks. Another incident involved the Marshals Service awarding a $300 million contract to a security guard company named USProtect Corporation, which had a known history of numerous criminal activities leading to convictions for mail fraud and bank fraud and false insurance claims in addition to a civil judgment against its chief financial officer. Technical problems included court security officers not being properly trained on security screening equipment, which also meant equipment not being used. The OIG noted that in February 2009, several courthouses failed to detect mock explosives sent by Marshals Service Headquarters in order to test security procedures. They also found that 18% of court security officers had outdated firearms qualifications.

Internal thefts

On March 26, 2009, the body of Deputy U.S. Marshal Vincent Bustamante was discovered in Juárez, Mexico, according to the Marshals Service. Bustamante, who was accused of stealing and pawning government property, was a fugitive from the law at the time of his death. Chihuahua State Police said the body had multiple wounds to the head apparently consistent with an execution-style shooting.[74]

In January 2007, Deputy U.S. Marshal John Thomas Ambrose was charged with theft of Justice Department property, disclosure of confidential information, and lying to federal agents during an investigation. Deputy Ambrose had been in charge of protecting mobster-turned-informant Nicholas Calabrese, who was instrumental in sending three mob bosses to prison for life.[75] A federal jury convicted Ambrose on April 27, 2009, of leaking secret government information concerning Calabrese to William Guide, a family friend and former Chicago police officer who had also served time in prison for corruption. Ambrose also was convicted of theft of government property but acquitted of lying to federal agents.[76] On October 27, 2009, Ambrose was sentenced to serve four years in prison.[77]

Racial discrimination

In 1998, retired Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Matthew Fogg won a landmark EEO and Title VII racial discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against the Justice Department, for which he was awarded $4 million. The jury found the entire Marshals Service to be a "racially hostile environment" which discriminates against black employees in its promotion practices. U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson summarized the jurors' decision by stating that they felt there was an "atmosphere of racial disharmony and mistrust within the United States Marshal Service".[78] [79] As of 2011, Fogg is president of "Bigots with Badges",[79] and executive director of CARCLE (Congress Against Racism and Corruption in Law Enforcement), and is also associated with Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP), a drug law reform organization of law enforcement officers.[80]

In September 2023, U.S. Marshals Service settled a $15 million, nearly 30-year-old EEOC class action lawsuit filed by Matthew Fogg in January, 1994. Alleging discrimination against African-American Deputy U.S. Marshal applicants, employees and Detention Officers with regards to hiring, promotions, recruitment and headquarter assignments.[81]

Ruby Ridge

The Department of Justice under Janet Reno acknowledged wrongdoing in U.S. marshals decisions surrounding a firefight at Ruby Ridge in 1992, where a deputy U.S. marshal shot 14-year-old Samuel Weaver in the back. Afterwards, deputy U.S. marshals became involved in a gunfight with Weaver's father, who was wanted on a federal warrant for failure to appear, and another person. Deputy United States marshals dispute this claim. Deputy U.S. marshal Billy Deegan was killed during a surveillance operation after identifying himself as a federal agent. This led to an extended gunfight in which both sides fired several rounds. Samuel Weaver was shot and killed. His body was taken to a small building for more than a week and an autopsy was unable to determine entry and exit wounds (see Idaho Federal Court Transcripts for clarification of this incident). Newsweek described the incident as "one of the most shameful episodes in the history of American law enforcement".[82]

In popular culture

See also

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Mark Pittella, Acting Deputy Director | U.S. Marshals Service . April 12, 2023 .
  2. Web site: Department of Justice Organisation, Mission and Functions Manual: United States Marshals Service . . n.d. . January 7, 2018 . October 20, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201020191420/https://www.justice.gov/jmd/organization-mission-and-functions-manual-united-states-marshals-service . dead .
  3. Web site: United States Marshals Service Historical Timeline. n.d.. United States Marshals Service. January 13, 2015. January 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160104021504/http://www.usmarshals.gov/history/timeline.html. dead.
  4. Web site: United States Marshals Service . Gpo.gov . n.d. . July 27, 2014 . March 7, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160307210455/https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2013-title28-vol1/xml/CFR-2013-title28-vol1-part0-subpartT.xml . live .
  5. Web site: U.S. Marshals Celebrate 225 Years of Service. Department Of Justice. October 30, 2014. December 4, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141204101716/http://www.justice.gov/marshals/news/chron/2014/225/index.html. dead.
  6. Web site: U.S. Marshals Service: History - The Judiciary Act of 1789: Charter for U.S. Marshals and Deputies: Appointment of the First 13 Marshals . 2022-05-13 . www.usmarshals.gov . June 16, 2020 . en-us . July 5, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220705073057/https://www.usmarshals.gov/history/judiciary/judiary_act_of_1789_8.htm . live .
  7. Web site: U.S. Marshals Service: Historical Timeline . 2022-05-13 . www.usmarshals.gov . en-us . President George Washington appointed the first 13 U.S. Marshals following the passage of the first Judiciary Act. . May 13, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220513021319/https://www.usmarshals.gov/history/timeline.html . dead .
  8. Web site: United States Marshals and Their Deputies: 1789-1989 . U.S. Marshals Service . 25 March 2023 . 15 June 2020 . March 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230325233229/https://www.usmarshals.gov/who-we-are/history/historical-reading-room/lawmen-united-states-marshals-and-their-deputies-1789-1989 . live .
  9. Book: Ball . Larry D. . The United States Marshals of New Mexico and Arizona Territories, 1846-1912 . 1978 . University of New Mexico Press . Albuquerque . 9780826306173.
  10. 1863 . Reports of Committees: 30th Congress, 1st Session - 48th Congress, 2nd Session, Volume 1 . United States Senate .
  11. Web site: Records of the United States Marshals Service . June 9, 2010 . . June 21, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100621115928/http://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/527.html . live . Web site: Fact Sheets: General Information . June 26, 2010 . U.S. Marshals Service . May 27, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100527151643/http://www.usmarshals.gov/duties/factsheets/general-1209.html . dead .
  12. Web site: United States Marshals Service . August 13, 2007 . June 9, 2010 . . May 27, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100527203210/http://www.justice.gov/jmd/mps/manual/usms.htm . dead .
  13. Book: Turk . David S. . Forging the star : the official modern history of the United States Marshals Service . 2016 . University of North Texas Press . Denton, Texas . 9781574416541.
  14. News: Emery . Debbie . 2017-09-12 . ESPN's '30 for 30' Short 'Strike Team' Recalls How US Marshals Lured Fugitives With NFL Tickets . 2023-03-01 . en-US . March 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230301194818/https://www.thewrap.com/espns-30-for-30-film-strike-team-recalls-how-us-marshals-lured-fugitives-with-nfl-tickets/ . live .
  15. Web site: U.S. Marshals make legal presence in Antarctica . January 8, 2007 . United States Marshals Service . February 5, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120205115539/http://www.usmarshals.gov/history/antarctica/ . dead .
  16. News: King case aftermath: A city in crisis . Paul . Lieberman . Dean E. . Murphy . May 2, 1992 . . subscription . February 21, 2020 . February 21, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200221085634/https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-king-case-aftermath-a-city-in-crisis-19920502-story.html . live .
  17. News: Marshals Sent to a Dozen Abortion Clinics in Drive to Halt Violence . . David . Johnston . August 2, 1994 . September 26, 2022 . September 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220926111059/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/08/02/us/marshals-sent-to-a-dozen-abortion-clinics-in-drive-to-halt-violence.html . live .
  18. News: U.S. Marshals Dispatched to Guard Abortion Clinics . . Pierre . Thomas . Pierre Thomas (journalist) . August 2, 1994 . September 26, 2022 .
  19. News: Judge Orders U.S. Marshals to Prevent Closing of Abortion Clinics . . July 30, 1991 . September 26, 2022 . . September 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220926111056/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/07/30/us/judge-orders-us-marshals-to-prevent-closing-of-abortion-clinics.html . live .
  20. Preparing for the World: Homeland Security and Winter Olympics . The White House . 25 March 2023 . 10 January 2002 . June 4, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220604051021/https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2002/01/20020110-7.html . live .
  21. News: Bragg . Rick . The Elian Gonzalez Case: The Overview; Cuban Boy Seized by U.S. Agents and Reunited With His Father . 25 March 2023 . . 23 April 2000 . December 27, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221227114031/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/23/us/elian-gonzalez-case-overview-cuban-boy-seized-us-agents-reunited-with-his-father.html . live .
  22. Web site: Security stepped up at abortion clinics in US after killing of Dr George Tiller . . Chris . McGreal . June 1, 2009 . September 26, 2022 . September 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220926105822/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jun/01/us-shooting-abortion-doctor-rightwing-militia?CMP=gu_com . live .
  23. Web site: Attorney general directs U.S. marshals to protect abortion clinics, providers . Colorado Independent . Ernest . Luning . May 31, 2009 . September 26, 2022 . September 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220926105834/https://www.coloradoindependent.com/2009/05/31/attorney-general-directs-us-marshals-to-protect-abortion-clinics-providers/ . live .
  24. Web site: History in Custody: The U.S. Marshals Service Takes Possession of North Carolina's Copy of the Bill of Rights . June 19, 2020 . United States Marshals Service . January 18, 2021 . January 25, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210125155807/https://www.usmarshals.gov/history/north_carolina_bill_of_rights.htm . live .
  25. Web site: Operations Support Division . January 7, 2018 . United States Marshals Service . February 11, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170211224849/https://www.usmarshals.gov//pubs/pub99.pdf . dead .
  26. Web site: The U.S. Marshals Service, Strategic National Stockpile Security Operations . January 7, 2018 . Sheriff Magazine . January 7, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180107061054/http://www.ourdigitalmags.com/display_article.php?id=1762258&view=217704 . live .
  27. Web site: U.S. Marshals Service. U. S. Marshals. Service (USMS). www.usmarshals.gov. February 11, 2021. October 19, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171019220416/https://www.usmarshals.gov/investigations/index.html. dead.
  28. News: Douglas-Gabriel . Danielle . Brown . Emma . Betsy DeVos being guarded by U.S. Marshals Service . 25 March 2023 . . 17 February 2017 . February 20, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170220172556/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/betsy-devos-is-now-being-guarded-by-us-marshals/2017/02/17/7dc341f4-f54b-11e6-8d72-263470bf0401_story.html . live .
  29. News: Fires, Looting, Tear Gas: DC in Turmoil Following 3rd Night of Protests . 25 March 2023 . NBC4 Washington . . 1 June 2020 . "In a rare move, US Marshals and DEA agents were activated to assist police." . March 20, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230320125931/https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/3rd-day-george-floyd-protests-washington-dc/2318177/ . live .
  30. Web site: Mangan. Amanda . Macias . Dan. 2021-01-06. U.S. Capitol secured hours after pro-Trump rioters invade Congress . 2021-01-07. CNBC. en. January 7, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210107030000/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/06/buildings-in-us-capitol-complex-evacuated-amid-pro-trump-protests.html. live.
  31. Web site: 4 law officers serving warrant are killed, 4 wounded in shootout at North Carolina home, police say . . April 29, 2024 .
  32. Web site: Strategic Plan: 2012 - 2016 . U.S. Marshals Service . U.S. Department of Justice . 28 February 2019 . en . April 12, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190412084339/https://www.usmarshals.gov/foia/strategic_plan-2016.pdf . dead .
  33. Web site: Facts and Figures 2013 . U.S. Marshals Service. April 22, 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130517090800/http://www.usmarshals.gov/duties/factsheets/facts-2013.pdf. May 17, 2013.
  34. Web site: History - Oldest Federal Law Enforcement Agency . . United States Marshal's Service . May 26, 2020 . May 1, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210501104411/https://www.usmarshals.gov//history/oldest.htm . live .
  35. Web site: Summary of S. 178 (114th): Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 . GovTrack.us . 3 September 2020 . en . September 21, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200921124719/https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/s178/summary . live .
  36. Web site: Current U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted Fugitives . United States Marshals Service . March 26, 2011 . May 2, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210502113859/https://www.usmarshals.gov//investigations/most_wanted/index.html . dead .
  37. Web site: Most Wanted | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. www.atf.gov. September 7, 2021. September 8, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210908112914/https://www.atf.gov/most-wanted. live.
  38. Web site: Current U.S. Marshals Service Major Case Fugitives . United States Marshals Service . March 26, 2011 . July 16, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110716064939/http://www.usmarshals.gov/investigations/major_cases/index.html . dead .
  39. News: Devlin . Barrett . Americans' Cellphones Targeted in Secret U.S. Spy Program . November 14, 2014 . . November 13, 2014 . subscription . November 16, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141116162639/http://online.wsj.com/articles/americans-cellphones-targeted-in-secret-u-s-spy-program-1415917533 . live .
  40. Federal Tactical Teams . Government Accountability Office . 25 March 2023 . 42 . September 2020 . March 8, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230308031209/https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-20-710.pdf . live .
  41. USMarshalsHQ . 1420111815732781056 . A glance at USMS SOG selection….the first few hours. The Special Operations Group (SOG) is a specially trained and highly disciplined tactical unit. It is a self-supporting response team capable of responding to emergencies anywhere in the United States or its territories..
  42. Web site: Tactical Operations . U.S. Marshals Service . 25 March 2023 . 22 February 2021 . March 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230318015746/https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/tactical-operations . live .
  43. Web site: U.S. Marshals Service. Service (USMS). U. S. Marshals. www.usmarshals.gov. en-us. 2019-08-23. August 16, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190816092734/https://www.usmarshals.gov/judicial/. live.
  44. Web site: Millions being spent on U.S. Marshals Service security detail for DeVos: report. Folley. Aris. 2018-11-16. The Hill. en. 2019-08-23. August 23, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190823205446/https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/417087-millions-being-spent-on-us-marshals-service-security-detail-for-devos. live.
  45. Web site: Deputy US marshals on Rosenstein security team save woman after fentanyl overdose. David. Shortell. CNN. April 26, 2018. 2019-08-23. August 23, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190823211620/https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/26/politics/rosenstein-deputy-marshals-rescue-fentanyl-overdose/index.html. live.
  46. News: US Marshals investigating threats against Kavanaugh and his family. 2018-09-21. CNN. de Vogue. Ariane. en. 2019-08-23. August 23, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190823215457/https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/kavanaugh-sexual-assault-allegation-dle/h_eb6b78dccbaf05cf86e3a760037d46f4. live.
  47. Web site: Who protects David Souter?. Koerner. Brendan. 2004-05-03. Slate. en. 2019-08-23. August 23, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190823210923/https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2004/05/who-protects-david-souter.html. live.
  48. Web site: Securing the Supreme Court. Jensen. Ralph C.. 2018-10-10. Security Today. en. 2019-08-23. August 23, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190823210917/https://securitytoday.com/articles/2018/10/10/securing-the-supreme-court.aspx. live.
  49. News: Supreme Court Justices Make Their Own Security Choices, Documents Reveal. Ruger. Todd. 2018-03-14. 2019-08-23. en. August 23, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190823210914/https://www.rollcall.com/news/policy/group-raises-concern-about-protecting-supreme-court-justices. live.
  50. News: Trump admin wants US Marshals to take over security for Cabinet heads. Rene. Marsh. Mary Kay. Mallonee. Josh. Campbell. Eli. Watkins. CNN. June 21, 2018. 2019-08-23. August 23, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190823210914/https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/21/politics/us-marshals-cabinet-security/index.html. live.
  51. News: Trump Administration Wants To Study Idea Of U.S. Marshals Taking Over Cabinet Security. Reilly. Ryan J.. 2019-03-11. HuffPost. en. 2019-08-23. August 23, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190823210918/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/us-marshals-cabinet-security_n_5c86b359e4b0ed0a0016389b. live.
  52. Web site: U.S. Marshals Service. www.usmarshals.gov. January 9, 2016. en-us. U.S. Marshals Service. (USMS). January 1, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160101171205/http://www.usmarshals.gov/careers/qualifications.html. live.
  53. Web site: Training Academy . U.S. Marshals Service . 25 March 2023 . 28 July 2020 . November 11, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221111041653/https://www.usmarshals.gov/careers/deputy-us-marshals/training-academy . live .
  54. Web site: U.S. Marshals Service for Students: A Week in the Life of a Deputy U.S. Marshal: Wednesday . United States Marshals Service . 13 April 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170414020420/http://www.usmarshals.gov/usmsforkids/week_wed.htm. 14 April 2017. 15 March 2023.
  55. Web site: Exclusive: U.S. Marshals Special Operations Group Adopts STI 2011 Pistols. Guns.com. Chris. Eger. 24 July 2019. February 1, 2021. February 5, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210205102736/https://www.guns.com/news/2019/07/24/exclusive-u-s-marshals-special-operations-group-adopts-sti-2011-pistols. live.
  56. News: Americans' Cellphones Targeted in Secret U.S. Spy Program . Barrett . Devlin . . 14 November 2014 . 26 June 2020 . subscription . March 4, 2020 . https://archive.today/20200304190558/https://www.wsj.com/articles/americans-cellphones-targeted-in-secret-u-s-spy-program-1415917533?mod=article_inline . live .
  57. News: U.S. Defends Marshals in Wake of Secret Cellphone Spying Report . Barrett . Devlin . Nagesh . Gautham . . 14 November 2014 . 26 June 2020 . subscription . https://archive.today/20200626174530/https://www.wsj.com/articles/justice-dept-defends-u-s-marshals-in-wake-of-secret-cellphone-spy-report-1415980141 . June 26, 2020 . live .
  58. Web site: Marshals Plane Registration . Peter Aldhous . BuzzFeed News via documentcloud.org . 27 July 2011 . 26 June 2020 . June 27, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200627044134/https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/3902584-Marshals-Plane-Registration.html . live .
  59. Web site: US Federal Agents Flew A Secret Spy Plane To Hunt Drug Cartel Leaders In Mexico . Peter Aldhous . Karla Zabludovsky . . 3 August 2017 . 26 June 2020 . June 27, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200627070458/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/peteraldhous/us-marshals-spy-plane-over-mexico . live .
  60. Web site: Marshals Plane Mexico . Peter Aldhous . BuzzFeed News via documentcloud.org . 24 May 2012 . 26 June 2020 . June 24, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200624223756/https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/3902581-Marshals-Plane-Mexico.html#document/p3/a365008 . live .
  61. Web site: U.S. Marshals Service Personnel Dressed as Mexican Marines Pursue Cartel Bosses . Barrett . Devlin . . 21 November 2014 . 26 June 2020 . subscription . https://archive.today/20200620044414/https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-marshals-service-personnel-dressed-as-mexican-marines-pursue-drug-cartel-bosses-1416595305 . June 20, 2020 . live .
  62. Web site: Position classification standard for United States Marshal series, GS-0082 . June 1973 . . February 25, 2007 . September 10, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080910041016/http://www.opm.gov/fedclass/gs0082.pdf . live .
  63. Web site: Position Classification Standard for General Investigating/Criminal Investigating Series, GS-1810/1811 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090327051121/http://www.opm.gov/fedclass/gs181011.pdf . March 27, 2009 .
  64. Web site: Court Security Officer position requirements . United States Marshals Service . March 26, 2011 . March 1, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110301024423/http://www.justice.gov/marshals/judicial/court_security_officer.htm . live .
  65. Web site: Inside the US Marshals' Secretive, Deadly Detention Empire. prisonlegalnews.org. 3 March 2020. 22 August 2021. August 22, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210822174639/https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2020/mar/3/inside-us-marshals-secretive-deadly-detention-empire/. live.
  66. Web site: Duties. usmashals.gov. 22 August 2021. August 22, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210822174635/https://www.usmarshals.gov/careers/duties.html. live.
  67. News: Weichselbaum . Simone . McClendon . Sachi . Garcia . Uriel J. . US marshals act like local police, but with more violence and less accountability . 25 March 2023 . . 11 February 2021 . en-us . March 9, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230309210014/https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/investigations/2021/02/11/investigation-us-marshals-kill-more-people-but-face-less-scrutiny/4397533001/ . live .
  68. News: Marusak . Joe . Alexander . Ames . Deputy US Marshal who shot, killed Frankie Jennings won't face charges, Meck DA says . 25 March 2023 . The Charlotte Observer . 29 June 2021 . August 22, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210822174634/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article252445253.html . live .
  69. Web site: Marshal Robert Forsyth . Officer Down Memorial Page . March 26, 2011 . March 21, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110321042425/http://www.odmp.org/officer/5016-marshal-robert-forsyth . live .
  70. Web site: Constable Darius Quimby . Officer Down Memorial Page . March 26, 2011 . April 29, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110429074511/http://www.odmp.org/officer/16907-constable-darius-quimby . live .
  71. Varon, Elizabeth R. (2023) Longstreet: The Confederate General Who Defied the South New York: Simon & Schuster. pp.264-281
  72. News: Marshals Service Official Charged with Extortion . . Robert F. . Howe . 6 July 1989 . July 30, 2018 . September 9, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180909000330/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1989/07/06/marshals-service-official-charged-with-extortion/4677518f-d9a2-4ba5-a7c2-6bffb7f5f45f/ . live .
  73. Web site: Audit of the United States Marshals Service's Oversight of its Judicial Facilities Security Program . November 2010 . . March 26, 2011 . January 1, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110101143432/http://www.justice.gov/oig/reports/USMS/a1102.pdf . live .
  74. News: Wanted U.S. marshal's body found in Mexico . CNN. March 26, 2009 . Doug . Gross . March 26, 2011 . October 4, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091004203337/http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/03/26/marshal.killed/index.html . live .
  75. News: Deputy US Marshal John T. Ambrose To Be Tried For Leaking Secrets To The Mob . . Mike . Robinson . April 13, 2009 . March 26, 2011 . June 6, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110606220506/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/12/deputy-us-marshal-john-t_n_186004.html . live .
  76. News: Deputy U.S. Marshal Ambrose guilty on two charges . Natasha . Korecki . Frank . Main . April 28, 2009 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20090502140324/http://www.suntimes.com/news/mob/1547639,marshal-ambrose-trial-loses-juror-042809.article . May 2, 2009 . dead.
  77. News: Trials . Chicago Tribune . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140720215042/http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/crime-law-justice/trials/02008000.topic . July 20, 2014 .
  78. Web site: Ramaea7.com . June 17, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100720220753/http://www.ramea7.com/Matthew_Foggs_BIO_WithOut_Photo.htm . July 20, 2010 .
  79. Web site: CARCLE: Congress Against Racism and Corruption in Law EnforcementCARCLE. www.bwbadge.com. January 16, 2010. January 13, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100113211004/http://www.bwbadge.com/. live.
  80. Web site: Matthew F. Fogg . March 26, 2011 . June 11, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110611110634/http://www.leap.cc/cms/index.php?name=Speakers&bio=234 . dead .
  81. Web site: U.S. Marshals Service Reaches Settlement in Class Action Lawsuit | U.S. Marshals Service . 25 September 2023 .
  82. News: . August 27, 1995 . Echoes of Ruby Ridge . Newsweek. October 1, 2017 . October 29, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201029121652/https://www.newsweek.com/echoes-ruby-ridge-182402 . live .

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "United States Marshals Service".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.