Fact Check: "The FBI is a federal agency responsible for investigating and enforcing federal laws."
What We Know
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is indeed a federal agency with a primary role in investigating and enforcing federal laws. Established in 1908, the FBI was created to serve as an investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Justice. Its mission includes protecting the United States from terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, upholding and enforcing criminal laws, and providing leadership and criminal justice services to various agencies (MPS: Functions Manual: Federal Bureau of Investigation).
The FBI's responsibilities encompass a wide range of criminal activities, including terrorism, cybercrime, white-collar crimes, public corruption, and civil rights violations (Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)). As the principal investigative agency, it collaborates with other law enforcement entities, providing services such as fingerprint identification and laboratory examinations (What is the FBI?).
Analysis
The claim that the FBI is responsible for investigating and enforcing federal laws is supported by multiple credible sources. The FBI's dual role as both a law enforcement and intelligence agency is well-documented, with its investigative authority being described as the broadest among federal law enforcement agencies (What are the primary investigative functions of the FBI?).
The agency's mission statement clearly outlines its responsibilities, which include not only enforcing federal laws but also protecting national security (MPS: Functions Manual: Federal Bureau of Investigation). The FBI's extensive involvement in various criminal investigations further solidifies its role as a key player in federal law enforcement (What We Investigate — FBI).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are official documents and statements from the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice. They provide a comprehensive overview of the agency's functions and responsibilities, making them credible references for this claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "The FBI is a federal agency responsible for investigating and enforcing federal laws" is accurate. The FBI's established role within the federal government, its extensive investigative authority, and its clear mission statement all confirm that it is indeed responsible for these functions.
Sources
- What We Investigate — FBI
- What are the primary investigative functions of the FBI?
- MPS: Functions Manual: Federal Bureau of Investigation
- What is the FBI?
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Civil Rights | Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Agencies - Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
