Feds

Feds is a colloquial term for federal government employees in the United States, particularly those involved in law enforcement. In general usage, the term can refer to federal agencies, offices, and personnel who enforce federal laws and operate across state lines and international borders.

Common federal agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Secret Service. Within the Department of Homeland Security, agencies such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also contribute to federal enforcement and response. The Federal Bureau of Prisons administers the federal prison system. Collectively, these agencies investigate offenses under federal statutes, protect officials and infrastructure, enforce immigration and customs laws, and support prosecutions in federal courts.

Oversight and operations: Federal agencies operate under the executive branch and are governed by federal law, regulations, and budgets. Investigations often involve interagency cooperation, including joint task forces with state, local, tribal, and international partners. Outcomes typically include grand jury presentations, indictments, and prosecutions by U.S. Attorneys.

In culture and discourse: The term "the Feds" appears in news reporting, films, and television to describe federal investigators or federal government action. Discussion about federal powers and civil liberties is common in political and legal contexts.