Meaning: This quote, attributed to Robert Mueller, highlights the extensive reach and influence of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in both domestic and international settings. Mueller, a former director of the FBI, emphasized the agency's broad presence through its field offices, resident agencies, and legal attaches. This statement underscores the FBI's multifaceted approach to law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with international partners.

The mention of the "56 field offices in the United States" underscores the FBI's strong and widespread presence within the country. These field offices serve as regional headquarters, overseeing FBI operations and investigations within their respective areas of jurisdiction. Each field office is responsible for coordinating with local law enforcement, conducting investigations, and addressing various federal crimes and national security threats. The decentralized nature of the field offices allows the FBI to effectively respond to diverse challenges across the nation.

Additionally, the reference to "resident agencies" further emphasizes the FBI's comprehensive coverage within the United States. Resident agencies are smaller, satellite offices that operate under the jurisdiction of a larger field office. These agencies are strategically located in various cities and towns to ensure that the FBI's resources and expertise are accessible to different communities. By maintaining resident agencies, the FBI can extend its presence to areas beyond the major metropolitan regions, thereby enhancing its ability to combat criminal activities and safeguard national security at the local level.

Moreover, Mueller's mention of the "45 legal attaches overseas" highlights the FBI's global engagement and its role in international law enforcement and intelligence operations. Legal attaches, also known as legal attachés or legats, are FBI special agents stationed in U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. These individuals serve as liaisons between the FBI and foreign law enforcement and intelligence agencies, facilitating collaboration on transnational criminal matters, counterterrorism efforts, and other shared security concerns.

The presence of legal attaches abroad underscores the FBI's commitment to combating threats that transcend national borders, such as terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, and espionage. Through these overseas representatives, the FBI can exchange information, coordinate investigations, and support the extraterritorial aspects of its mission. The legal attaches play a crucial role in building relationships with foreign counterparts and contributing to the global efforts to address complex criminal and security challenges.

In essence, Mueller's statement encapsulates the FBI's expansive network of resources and personnel, both domestically and internationally. The combination of field offices, resident agencies, and legal attaches reflects the FBI's holistic approach to fulfilling its mission of protecting the United States from threats and upholding the rule of law. This multifaceted infrastructure enables the FBI to effectively address a wide spectrum of criminal and national security issues, while also fostering collaboration and coordination with partners on the global stage.

Overall, the quote serves as a testament to the FBI's commitment to maintaining a robust and far-reaching presence, demonstrating its dedication to safeguarding the nation's interests and promoting international security and stability. Through its field offices, resident agencies, and legal attaches, the FBI continues to play a pivotal role in addressing evolving threats and fostering cooperation across borders in an increasingly interconnected world.