Along the years, Marshals have been required by Government to take charge in diverse historic events. Unlike Armed Forces, they're considered "civil enforcement" of governmental authorities and a local organization with federal regulation.

US Marshals Service are part of the United States Justice Department. They were born from a law boosts by George Washington on 24th of September of 1789 (Judiciary Act), which included the creation of other court officers. Two years later, 16 were the first Marshals chosen for each of the court districts of the young nation. Throughout the years, these agents took care of making work federal courts: from keeping water jars full of water in public hearings to assure witnesses presence, even to execute death sentences.

Until 1865, they were the ones accounting the electoral census every 10 years. Before civil war (1850-1861), they could be the ones capturing fugitive slaves and bringing them back to their owners. During the war conflict they confiscate properties used for Confederate States of America. Another mission was to follow spies. In the following years they played an important role in the expansion to the American Western. Famous names are Seth Bullock, Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Tom Smith, etc.

In 1879 Justice Department was created in charge of supervising Marshals activities. Years later, in 1896, agents were assigned with a salary, since up to that moment they were paid by a tax system according to the service provided.

Missions

Security in courts

Guilt custody
Judge, fiscal, lawyers and witnesses protection
Investigation and risk análysis
Court facilities secutiry
Surroundings vigilance

Fugitive detention

International and national investigations
Operations together with local, state, federal and international forces.
Extradition and deporting planning
Vigilance
Judicial documentation

Prisoner security and transport

Fingerprints taking
Prisoner and indicted transport
Prison cell inspections

Witness protection

Federal witnesses protection
Witness providing to court processes

Seized material

Operative support

Emergencies
Natural disasters
Inspections and audits
Military systems (missiles) escorting
Governmental protection and strategic interest zones