The U.S. Marshals Service routinely deputizes police. However, the move to deputize private security officers, who are not sworn law enforcement officials, is considered unorthodox

Summary

Members of Elon Musk’s private security team have been deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service, granting them federal law enforcement privileges.

The move follows heightened security concerns and death threats against Musk.

While the Marshals Service routinely deputizes officers, deputizing private security is highly unusual.

The extent of their authority remains unclear, but they may carry weapons and make arrests.

  • kibiz0r@midwest.socialEnglish
    421·
    1 day ago

    Recent article that explains why the US Marshals would be a useful landmark:

    Here’s One Big Way You’ll Know if We’re in a Presidential Dictatorship

    The fundamental weakness of courts is that their orders have force only if people, including government officials, obey them.

    …

    [T]he increased procedural complexity of criminal contempt proceedings combined with the specter of presidential pardons renders criminal contempt an improbable recourse for the judiciary.

    That leaves civil contempt, which, as noted, authorizes the imposition of fines, imprisonment, or both to compel compliance with judicial orders.

    …

    [T]he primary traditional function of the U.S. Marshals Service is to act as the enforcement arm of the courts.

    …

    Should the attorney general order the marshals and BOP not to enforce a judicial contempt order against an administration official, that would be an open repudiation of the rule of law and a plain declaration of presidential dictatorship.