Explore federal agencies with nationwide or specialized law enforcement missions.
The United States has many federal law enforcement agencies. Each has a specific legal mission, and federal officers and agents often work with state and local agencies. This page gives a high-level educational overview rather than operational details.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigates a wide range of federal crimes and national security matters.
Learn MoreThe U.S. Marshals Service is one of the oldest federal law enforcement agencies.
Learn MoreThe Secret Service has both protective and investigative missions.
Learn MoreThe Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives enforces specific federal laws within its jurisdiction.
Learn MoreThe Drug Enforcement Administration enforces federal controlled-substance laws.
Learn MoreU.S. Customs and Border Protection has responsibilities at borders and ports of entry.
Learn MoreThe FBI is part of the U.S. Department of Justice. Its responsibilities include certain federal criminal investigations, counterintelligence, cyber investigations, and support for other law enforcement agencies.
The Marshals Service works with the federal courts, protects the federal judicial process, transports federal prisoners, manages witness security programs, and helps locate certain fugitives.
The agency is well known for protecting the president and other designated people. It also investigates certain financial crimes and threats involving the nation's financial infrastructure.
ATF is part of the Department of Justice. Its work includes investigations involving federal firearms laws, explosives, arson, and certain organized criminal activity.
DEA investigates major violations of federal drug laws and works with domestic and international partners. This site keeps the topic at a general educational level and does not provide operational information.
CBP officers work at ports of entry, while U.S. Border Patrol agents work between ports of entry along U.S. borders. The agency also has aviation, marine, inspection, and trade-related responsibilities.