Crime & Justice • Law Enforcement

United States Marshals Service

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is a federal law enforcement agency within the U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is a federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Justice. It is the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the United States, tracing its origins to the Judiciary Act of 1789. The agency is responsible for protecting the federal judiciary, apprehending fugitives, transporting federal prisoners, and managing witness protection and seized assets.

History

The U.S. Marshals Service traces its origin to the Judiciary Act of 1789, which created the office of U.S. marshal. The agency describes itself as the nation’s first federal law enforcement agency.

Mission and responsibilities

The USMS enforces federal court orders and supports the federal justice system through fugitive apprehension, court security, prisoner transportation, witness protection, and asset forfeiture management.

Organization

The service is led by U.S. marshals for each federal judicial district and operates district offices across the country and in some overseas locations. It is part of the Department of Justice and reports through the attorney general.

Role in the federal justice system

The agency serves as the enforcement arm of the federal courts and is involved in carrying out judicial orders, protecting the functioning of the courts, and supporting other federal law enforcement operations.

Key facts

Created in 1789 under the Judiciary Act, it is the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the United States.
The agency operates under the direction of the U.S. attorney general.
It protects federal judges, court personnel, witnesses, and court facilities.
It is the primary federal agency for fugitive investigations.
It administers the federal Witness Security Program.

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Canadian context

The U.S. Marshals Service is a U.S. federal agency, but its work can matter to Canada through cross-border fugitive investigations, prisoner transfers, and cooperation with Canadian law enforcement in some cases.

Frequently asked questions

What is the U.S. Marshals Service?

It is a federal law enforcement agency in the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for court security, fugitive apprehension, prisoner transport, witness protection, and asset forfeiture.

When was the U.S. Marshals Service created?

Its origins date to 1789, when the Judiciary Act created the office of U.S. marshal.

What does the U.S. Marshals Service do?

It enforces federal court orders, protects the federal judiciary, apprehends fugitives, transports prisoners, protects witnesses, and manages seized assets.

Is the U.S. Marshals Service the oldest federal law enforcement agency?

Yes. It describes itself as the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency.

Who oversees the U.S. Marshals Service?

It operates under the U.S. Department of Justice and the direction of the attorney general.

References

U.S. Marshals Service — https://www.usmarshals.gov/
Supports: Agency description, mission, and self-identified status as the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency
U.S. Department of Justice — https://www.justice.gov/doj/organization-mission-and-functions-manual-united-states-marshals-service
Supports: Parent department, organizational structure, district offices, and mission
USA.gov — https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-marshals-service
Supports: Core responsibilities including judiciary security, witness security, asset management, prisoner confinement and transport, and fugitive investigations
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marshals_Service
Supports: Founding date, historical origin, and summary of responsibilities