As we await the release of the exciting new Yellowstone spinoff Marshals—which follows Kayce Dutton’s next chapter as he joins an elite unit of U.S. Marshals in an effort to keep Montana safe—fans are wondering what exactly this venture will look like. After leaving the intensity of the Dutton Ranch behind, we’re preparing to watch him take on an all-new kind of intensity in this unique branch of law enforcement, and the balancing act required to protect the place he calls home and juggle the responsibility he feels toward his family is far from easy. While we’re looking forward to seeing Kayce’s new role, some fans are wondering what exactly a U.S. Marshal does. Here, we break down the real U.S. Marshals Service and the things we might see Kayce face in Marshals Season 1.
What do U.S. Marshals do?
The U.S. Marshals Service is the United States’ oldest federal law enforcement agency, dating back to 1789 and covering a wide range of responsibilities. Perhaps one of the most significant elements of their job is tracking down and apprehending federal fugitives. According to their website, as of 2025, over 73,000 fugitives were arrested/cleared by the U.S. Marshals Service, with close to 300 arrested per day. Another facet of this job is transporting criminals and prisoners to and from institutions. Judicial security is also a responsibility of the U.S. Marshals Service, providing protection to the courts. “The United States Marshals Service, Judicial Security Division, is committed to the protection of the judicial process by ensuring the safe and secure conduct of judicial proceedings, and protecting federal judges, jurors and other members of the federal judiciary,” explains their site.
The U.S. Marshals Service also deals with asset forfeiture. When criminals use or have assets such property, cash, cars or other materials that are linked to criminal activity, U.S. Marshals are responsible for seizing these assets and forfeiting them, meaning they are sold, destroyed or used. The proceeds from these sales are then used to “operate the program, compensate victims and support various law enforcement efforts,” explains their site. Another aspect of the job is Witness Security—more commonly known as the Witness Protection Program. When witnesses of a crime testify in court against large criminal organizations, their testimony can often lead to them and their families living in danger of retribution. The Witness Protection Program, run by the U.S. Marshals service, offers them protection and even new identities and funding while they are at risk.
The U.S. Marshals Service is involved with several areas of the federal government, and with Kayce Dutton now joining a unit in Montana? Who knows what’s in store!
What will Kayce Dutton do as a U.S. Marshal?
While the specifics of Kayce’s role as a U.S. Marshal hasn’t yet been revealed and we likely won’t know details until the show premieres on March 1, based on his history as a Navy SEAL, it’s fair to assume that he will be using his skills to track down and apprehend criminals that threaten his home. We can’t wait to see how his fierce dedication to protecting Montana and his family translates to this new challenge! Based on his courage and determination, we know Kayce will bring the same intensity to federal law enforcement while staying true to the values that make him a Dutton. One thing’s for sure: March 1 can’t come soon enough!
