The Office of the United States Marshals was created on September 24, 1789, with the passage of the Judiciary Act by Congress. The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) was established in 1969 to provide guidance and assistance to U.S. Marshals throughout the nation. The U.S. Marshals Service is a bureau within the Department of Justice and receives direction from the Attorney General through the Director of the United States Marshals Service.
The mission of the U.S. Marshals is to enforce federal laws and provide support to virtually all elements of the federal justice system by providing for the security of federal court facilities and the safety of judges and other court personnel; apprehending criminals; exercising custody of federal prisoners and providing for their security and transportation to correctional facilities; executing federal court orders; seizing assets gained by illegal means and providing for the custody, management, and disposal of forfeited assets; assuring the safety of endangered government witnesses and their families; and collecting and disbursing funds.
Presidentially appointed U.S. Marshals direct the activities of 94 districts — one for each federal judicial district. Approximately 3,892 authorized deputy U.S. marshals and criminal investigators, and 1,596 authorized administrative employees and detention enforcement officers form the backbone of the agency.