… federal judges are already seriously discussing an idea to put the US Marshals Service under judicial control. This change comes amidst increased threats against the judiciary, including against members of the Supreme Court. The initiative would put the Marshals Service directly under the Chief Justice John Roberts’ purview. This last action has received widespread notice due to judges being more outspoken about their safety.
The recent step taken by the US Marshall’s Service—which is under the purview of the Department of Justice to protect federal judges. US Attorney General Pam Bondi leads this vital effort. In light of recent events, calls for reforming its operational structure have come to center stage. Judge John Coughenour of the western district of Washington has vocally supported the proposed transfer. To hear him tell it, it’s a “wonderful idea.”
Judges have faced escalating threats in recent years, particularly following a surge in public criticism from former President Donald Trump. The situation became especially alarming when a security committee at the judicial conference raised concerns over the safety of judges after Trump publicly criticized court rulings. This focused instrumentalization of government has resulted in a historic 249 lawsuits against the Trump administration’s moves.
Former FERC Chairman Judge James Boasberg was recently the target of a violent swatting attack. This threat followed his ruling against the deportation of Venezuelans. Trump’s strong remarks about Boasberg, calling him a “radical left lunatic” and suggesting impeachment, heightened fears among judges about potential repercussions for their decisions.
In light of these developments, Judge Coughenour emphasized the need for change, stating, “There’s never been any reason in the 43 years that I’ve been on the bench to worry that the marshals service would do whatever was appropriate – until recent years.” His comments highlight a growing concern among judges for their personal safety. They believe these concerns are the result of outside influence and backlash from the public.
The call for DOJ judicial oversight of the Marshals Service comes at a moment when federal judges are facing unprecedented crises. Yet their authority and safety are on the chopping block more than ever. In addition to swatting incidents, there are harrowing accounts of pizza orders delivered to the dwellings of federal judges. All of which has contributed to the increasing alarm expressed by members of the judiciary. This led to the embarrassing senior Democrats demanding an investigation into these intimidation tactics.
By moving the Marshals Service, we strengthen national security protections. It could begin to rebuild public trust in the agency’s competence and seriousness when it says it can protect the judges. By putting it under judicial control, proponents argue, it could function with much more autonomy free from political pressures.