Rep. Tom Cole
Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) would allow the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to assist in certain tribal criminal matters, such as executing arrest warrants on behalf of tribal law enforcement and helping to search for missing children.
“For far too long, predators have preyed on vulnerable children in Indian Country at alarming rates,” the congressman said. “Yet, tribal law enforcement still faces obstacles and limitations when it comes to holding these predators accountable.”
Rep. Cole on Feb. 11 sponsored the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act, H.R. 7490, alongside three original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), which would also grant authority to the USMS to act on an individual who has a violent felony arrest warrant from tribal courts and poses a threat to public safety outside of tribal lands.
H.R. 7490 also would allow the participation of tribal law enforcement in the Fugitive Apprehension Task Forces, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Cole’s office.
“By improving coordination and strengthening the partnership between USMS and tribal law enforcement, the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act will make Native American communities safer and ultimately bring more criminals to justice,” added Rep. Cole.
The legislation has been endorsed by USMS, the United South and Eastern Tribes, the National Native American Law Enforcement Association, and the Coalition of Large Tribes.
“Tribal warrants should be enforced to the fullest extent of the law, just like all other warrants,” said Rep. Larsen. “I thank Chair Cole for his work to uphold tribal sovereignty in Congress. I will continue working with him to better support tribal law enforcement through this bill and other efforts to keep tribes and communities across northwest Washington safe.”
The measure is companion legislation to the same-named S. 3041, which U.S. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Markwayne Mullen (R-OK) introduced in October 2025.