Cole introduces bill to expand USMS authority on tribal warrants

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., along with Reps. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., Rick Larsen, D-Wash., and Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M., introduced the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act, according to a press release. The legislation would grant the United States Marshals Service authority to execute arrest warrants on behalf of tribal law enforcement and assist in searching for missing children. “By improving coordination and strengthening the partnership between USMS and Tribal law enforcement, the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act will make Native American communities safer and ultimately bring more criminals to justice,” Cole was quoted as saying.

According to the release, the 2023 Not Invisible Act Commission found federal law limits the ability of the United States Marshals Service to assist with tribal warrants. The bill would allow the agency to execute tribal felony arrest warrants, assist in searches for missing children and permit tribal participation in Fugitive Apprehension Task Forces. A Senate version was introduced by Sens. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., and Catherine Cortez-Masto, D-Nev., according to the release.

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