Judges are increasingly concerned about their security amid rising threats, particularly under President Trump's administration, which has been critical of the judiciary. The U.S. Marshals Service, responsible for judicial protection, faces funding challenges and is under the control of the Justice Department, which answers to the president, fueling fears of potential interference. Judge Richard J. Sullivan raised concerns at a Judicial Conference meeting about the possibility of the White House withdrawing security for judges, citing Trump's past decisions to strip security from former officials. The number of threats against judges has significantly increased, prompting some judges to seek additional security measures independently. The debate over who should control the Marshals Service is gaining attention, with suggestions to move oversight from the executive branch to the judiciary to ensure judges' safety and independence from political influence.

The U.S. Marshals Service is experiencing increased pressure as threats against judges have more than doubled from 2019 to 2024, coinciding with political tensions and significant Supreme Court rulings, such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Judge Richard J. Sullivan expressed concerns during a Judicial Conference meeting about the possibility of the Trump administration withdrawing security protections for judges, highlighting anxiety within the judiciary about their reliance on an agency controlled by the executive branch.

Funding for judicial security has not matched the rising threats, with the total budget increasing only slightly despite inflation and growing demands, prompting some judges to seek additional security measures at their own expense.

The Trump administration's critical stance towards the judiciary, including derogatory remarks and calls for impeachment of judges, has exacerbated tensions and fears of potential interference in judicial security.

The Marshals Service, traditionally tasked with executing court orders and ensuring judicial safety, may face a constitutional test if required to enforce contempt citations against executive officials, raising concerns about agency allegiance.

Congress is considering proposals to transfer control of the Marshals Service to the judiciary to insulate it from executive influence and ensure independent protection for federal judges amidst escalating threats.

Recent measures by the Trump administration to enforce immigration laws through the Marshals Service have raised additional concerns about the potential impact on the agency's ability to fulfill its primary role in protecting the judiciary.