United States Marshals Service

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is a federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Justice. Established in 1789, it is the nation's oldest federal law enforcement agency. Its primary missions include apprehending federal fugitives, protecting the federal judiciary, operating the Witness Security Program, and transporting federal prisoners. The USMS is currently newsworthy due to its involvement in two separate incidents. First, the agency is assisting Albuquerque police in the search for actor Timothy Busfield, who is facing child sexual abuse charges and remains at large. Second, the agency is under scrutiny after a federal officer allegedly kicked a woman's dog during an arrest in Tennessee, resulting in a broken rib for the animal. The USMS described the kick as 'unfortunate' but necessary to 'mitigate a dangerous situation.' These events highlight the agency's role in both high-profile fugitive cases and the potential for controversy surrounding its operational tactics.