Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 651 (R.S. § 5270; June 6, 1900, ch. 793, 31 Stat. 656).

Minor changes of phraseology were made.

1996—Pub. L. 104–132, in first sentence, inserted “or in cases arising under section 3181 (b),” after “United States and any foreign government,” and “or provided for under section 3181 (b),” after “treaty or convention,” and in third sentence, inserted “or under section 3181 (b),” after “treaty or convention,”.

1990—Pub. L. 101–647 inserted “or, if there is reason to believe the person will shortly enter the United States” after “are not known” in second sentence.

1988—Pub. L. 100–690 inserted after first sentence “Such complaint may be filed before and such warrant may be issued by a judge or magistrate of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia if the whereabouts within the United States of the person charged are not known.”

1968—Pub. L. 90–578 substituted “magistrate” for “commissioner” in two places.

Words “magistrate judge” substituted for “magistrate” wherever appearing in text pursuant to section 321 of Pub. L. 101–650, set out as a note under section 631 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–578 effective Oct. 17, 1968, except when a later effective date is applicable, which is the earlier of date when implementation of amendment by appointment of magistrates [now United States magistrate judges] and assumption of office takes place or third anniversary of enactment of Pub. L. 90–578 on Oct. 17, 1968, see section 403 of Pub. L. 90–578, set out as a note under section 631 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.