US Marshals Service – Portland, ME

U.S. Marshals Service – District of Maine

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) for the District of Maine maintains its headquarters at the Edward T. Gignoux United States Courthouse in Portland. As the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency, the Marshals Service is the enforcement arm of the federal courts. The Portland office is responsible for a wide range of judicial security and law enforcement operations across the state. They ensure the safe conduct of judicial proceedings and the protection of federal judges, jurors, and other court participants.

Law Enforcement Operations

The District of Maine office executes several critical federal missions:

• Fugitive Investigations: The Marshals lead the Maine Violent Offender Task Force, working with state and local police to apprehend dangerous fugitives and non-compliant sex offenders.
• Prisoner Operations: They manage the transportation and custody of federal detainees from the time of arrest until acquittal or incarceration.
• Asset Forfeiture: The agency manages and sells assets seized from criminal enterprises, redistributing proceeds to compensate victims and fund law enforcement initiatives.
• Witness Security: They provide protection for witnesses who testify in high-profile federal cases.

Security and Access

Visitors to the U.S. Marshals office or the federal courthouse must adhere to strict security protocols. All entrants are subject to airport-style screening. Prohibited items include weapons of any kind (firearms, knives, pepper spray), cameras, and recording devices. Cell phones may be restricted depending on the specific court order or area of the building. The office generally does not handle public inquiries regarding local police matters; its focus is strictly on federal jurisdiction.