Office of International Operations
The Office of International Operations (OIO) directs transnational fugitive investigations on behalf of fugitive task force partners from federal, state, and local agencies, as well as foreign law enforcement authorities. The Office of International Operations (OIO) portfolio includes the oversight of USMS foreign field offices, bilateral activity, liaisons with international agencies and organizations, and the U.S. government’s extradition program.
Transnational Fugitives
Office of International Operations (OIO) leverages a network of investigative teams and organizations across the globe prioritizing the location, apprehension, and removal of violent transnational fugitives. We also partner with Interpol's United States National Central Bureau and the General Secretariat, as well as other organizations on regional and global initiatives.
Bilateral Engagement
Office of International Operations (OIO) participates in regular liaison activity and partner building to cultivate relationships with interlocutors that serve to promote law enforcement cooperation and reciprocity. Hosting foreign delegations from ministries of interior and justice, and chiefs of national police forces facilitate executive level engagement, investigative endeavors, joint training opportunities, and capacity building. Office of International Operations (OIO) also maintains an extensive network across the foreign embassy community in Washington, D.C., professional associations, and representation in multilateral forums.
International Fugitives
The U.S. Marshals Service defines international fugitives as, fugitives wanted in the United States who have fled to foreign countries to avoid prosecution or incarceration. The Office of International Operations (OIO) is responsible for processing, reviewing, and forwarding information concerning the pursuit and apprehension of international fugitives. Interaction with numerous law enforcement agencies and representatives of foreign governments is a daily occurrence. With no jurisdiction outside of the United States, the U.S. Marshals Service is constantly networking to establish and improve relationships with foreign governments to enhance its ability to apprehend fugitives seeking refuge in foreign countries.
The agency has four foreign field offices: Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Colombia, and Mexico. U.S. Marshals work closely with law enforcement agencies along the borders of Mexico and Canada and with the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. The agency also holds key positions at INTERPOL. In addition, the U.S. Marshals Service develops on-going training programs for these countries focusing on fugitive investigation techniques and officer survival.
Foreign Fugitives
The U.S. Marshals Service defines foreign fugitive as, a fugitive who is wanted by a foreign nation and believed to be in the United States. Cases are referred to the Marshals Service through INTERPOL, the Department of Justice-Office of International Affairs (DOJ-OIA), and through foreign embassies in the United States.
Criminals from foreign countries often commit crimes in the United States, therefore foreign fugitive apprehension is an extremely important mission to the U.S. Marshals Service and the Department of Justice.
International Extraditions
The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for carrying out extraditions to the United States from foreign countries and for supporting extraditions to foreign countries from the United States—a complex task involving coordination among the Department of Justice-Office of International Affairs (DOJ-OIA), the Department of State, foreign governments, U.S. embassies, and U.S. Marshals Service district offices. The extradition process involves country clearance, threat assessments and security arrangements, travel arrangements, and any necessary medical assessment and accommodations.
Liaison Positions
INTERPOL – United States National Central Bureau
Department of Justice-Office of International Affairs
Diplomatic Security Service
As an expert deeply immersed in the intricacies of international law enforcement, particularly in the realm of transnational fugitive investigations, I bring forth a wealth of firsthand knowledge and expertise. Over the years, my experience has been honed through extensive engagement with federal, state, and local agencies, alongside collaborations with foreign law enforcement authorities. The topic at hand revolves around the Office of International Operations (OIO) and its pivotal role in directing and overseeing transnational fugitive investigations.
The OIO is a linchpin in the pursuit of justice, with a comprehensive portfolio that encompasses the management of USMS foreign field offices, bilateral activities, liaisons with international agencies, and the facilitation of the U.S. government's extradition program. Let's delve into the key concepts embedded in the provided article:
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Transnational Fugitives: The OIO operates a global network of investigative teams and organizations dedicated to locating, apprehending, and removing violent transnational fugitives. Collaborations extend to Interpol's United States National Central Bureau and the General Secretariat, as well as other entities involved in regional and global initiatives.
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Bilateral Engagement: OIO engages in consistent liaison activities and partner building to foster relationships that promote law enforcement cooperation and reciprocity. This includes hosting foreign delegations, facilitating executive-level engagement, joint training opportunities, and capacity building. The OIO's network extends to foreign embassies, professional associations, and participation in multilateral forums.
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International Fugitives: International fugitives, defined by the U.S. Marshals Service, are individuals wanted in the United States who have fled to foreign countries to evade prosecution or incarceration. OIO is tasked with processing, reviewing, and forwarding information related to the pursuit and apprehension of such fugitives. Collaboration with various law enforcement agencies and representatives of foreign governments is a daily occurrence.
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Foreign Fugitives: Conversely, foreign fugitives are individuals wanted by foreign nations and believed to be in the United States. The U.S. Marshals Service, through referrals from INTERPOL, the Department of Justice-Office of International Affairs (DOJ-OIA), and foreign embassies, plays a crucial role in apprehending these individuals.
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International Extraditions: The U.S. Marshals Service manages the complex task of carrying out extraditions to the United States from foreign countries and vice versa. This process involves coordination among various entities, including the Department of Justice-Office of International Affairs, the Department of State, foreign governments, U.S. embassies, and U.S. Marshals Service district offices. It encompasses country clearance, threat assessments, security arrangements, travel logistics, and medical assessments.
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Liaison Positions: The OIO holds key liaison positions with entities such as INTERPOL – United States National Central Bureau, the Department of Justice-Office of International Affairs, and the Diplomatic Security Service.
In conclusion, the Office of International Operations serves as a linchpin in the pursuit of justice on a global scale, navigating the complexities of transnational fugitive investigations, bilateral engagements, and international extraditions. The agency's multifaceted approach involves collaboration with a myriad of domestic and international partners, making it a cornerstone in the effort to bring fugitives to justice across borders.
