International Investigations
The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) has been designated by the Department of Justice (DOJ) as the primary federal agency for apprehending fugitives that are wanted by foreign nations and believed to be in the United States.
Additionally, the Marshals Service is the primary federal agency responsible for tracking and extraditing fugitives who are apprehended in foreign countries and wanted for prosecution in the United States.
International Fugitives
The U.S. Marshals Service defines international fugitives as, fugitives wanted in the United States who have fled to foreign countries to avoid prosecution or incarceration. The International Investigations Branch is responsible for processing, reviewing, and forwarding information concerning the pursuit and apprehension of international fugitives. Interaction with numerous law enforcement agencies and representatives of foreign governments is a daily occurrence. With no jurisdiction outside of the United States, the U.S. Marshals Service is constantly networking to establish and improve relationships with foreign governments to enhance its ability to apprehend fugitives seeking refuge in foreign countries.
The agency has four foreign field offices in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Colombia, and Mexico. U.S. Marshals work closely with law enforcement agencies along the borders of Mexico and Canada and with the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. The agency also holds key positions at INTERPOL. In addition, the U.S. Marshals Service develops on-going training programs for these countries focusing on fugitive investigation techniques and officer survival.
Foreign Fugitives
The U.S. Marshals Service defines foreign fugitive as, a fugitive who is wanted by a foreign nation and believed to be in the United States. Cases are referred to the Marshals Service through INTERPOL, the Department of Justice-Office of International Affairs (DOJ-OIA), and through foreign embassies in the United States.
Criminals from foreign countries often commit crimes in the United States, therefore foreign fugitive apprehension is an extremely important mission to the U.S. Marshals Service and the Department of Justice.
International Extraditions
The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for carrying out extraditions to the United States from foreign countries and for supporting extraditions to foreign countries from the United States—a complex task involving coordination among the Department of Justice-Office of International Affairs (DOJ-OIA), the Department of State, foreign governments, U.S. embassies, and U.S. Marshals Service district offices. The extradition process involves country clearance, threat assessments and security arrangements, travel arrangements, and any necessary medical assessment and accommodations.
Liaison Positions
- INTERPOL – United States National Central Bureau
- Department of Justice-Office of International Affairs
- Diplomatic Security Service