Do U.S. Marshals need a search warrant to enter a home for an arrest in Ohio?

Question

I am 48 years old and live alone. I was recently awakened from sleep when U.S. Marshals forced their way into my rental residence without showing me a search warrant. They used a "ram on it" device to destroy the door, making it unable to shut or lock. The Marshals had guns drawn as they entered to apprehend someone who had an arrest warrant but did not live with me. This person had stayed at my house five months ago but was not on the lease. After the incident, I received a paper to fill out for door repairs, but I haven’t slept at all because my door won’t shut or lock. I'm concerned about eviction due to the property damage. The situation caused me to have a panic attack outside, as I have asthma and generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks. I'm also wondering whether U.S. Marshals are required to wear body cameras during such operations.

Anthony M. Avery · Answer

US LEOs probably had an arrest warrant for the defendant, not a search warrant.  And they can enter anywhere to execute ARs.   I do not see an action for property damage except claiming what they gave you a paper for.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

What happened to you sounds terrifying and deeply upsetting, especially since you were not the person they were looking for. In general, U.S. Marshals need either a search warrant or a valid arrest warrant for someone who is reasonably believed to be inside the home. If they had an arrest warrant for someone who used to stay with you—but didn’t live there anymore—they may have overstepped unless they had clear reason to believe that person was currently there. 
 
You have the right to question the legality of their entry, especially if no warrant was shown and no current resident was the subject of the arrest. It’s also fair to raise concerns about the property damage and the way it has affected your safety and mental health. While some federal law enforcement agencies have started using body cameras, not all are required to wear them in every situation, and the U.S. Marshals have limited public guidelines on when they are used. Still, you can submit a written complaint and request an investigation into the use of force and failure to present a warrant. 
 
You should not be held responsible for the damage caused by law enforcement. Keep records of the damage, any communication with your landlord, and the document they gave you about repairs. You can also speak with your landlord directly to explain what happened and ask for a written confirmation that you won’t be evicted. Your home should be a place of peace, and you deserve answers, respect, and support after something so invasive.

Q: Do U.S. Marshals need a search warrant to enter a home for an arrest in Ohio?