In a recent bipartisan move, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Hoeven (R-ND), and James Lankford (R-OK) have reintroduced the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act, aiming to bolster the border security capabilities of a unique group of Native American agents. As informed by the Senator's Office, the act's reintroduction comes after the bill previously passed unanimously through committee last September but didn't secure passage in the Senate due to time constraints.
The Shadow Wolves unit is composed of members from the Tohono O’odham Nation, operating along a 76-mile stretch of the tribe's land that borders Mexico. Renowned for their tracking prowess, especially in detecting drug smuggling activities, the Shadow Wolves' proficiency stems from their intimate cultural and geographical knowledge of the area. The bill aims to bolster their effectiveness by providing improved career opportunities, which have historically been limited when compared to other Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents. Kelly highlighted the importance of the program, stating, "The Shadow Wolves are a critical asset to effectively fight against human and drug smugglers at our southern border," as stated by the Senator's Office.
Key to the proposed legislation is the reclassification of Shadow Wolves from excepted to competitive service after three years of dutiful service. This move directly addresses the career mobility and retention issues faced by the group, according to Senator Lankford. In his perspective, this not only supports the agents' efforts to secure the border but also enhances recruitment and retention. "Giving these critical law enforcement officers access to expanded career mobility and opportunity not only supports their work to secure the border but also strengthens recruiting and retention for agents," Lankford told the press.
The bill builds upon the foundation laid by the Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act, signed into law by President Biden in 2022. That earlier act already conferred full authority for patrol and investigation upon the Shadow Wolves agents. With the new addition, Chairman Verlon Jose of the Tohono O’odham Nation expresses solid support for the move, noting the agents' "unique skill set and deep knowledge of the land." In a statement made by Senator Kelly's office, Jose said, "The Tohono O’odham Nation strongly supports the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act to give our Shadow Wolves agents the support they deserve and preserve the Nation’s role in protecting our land."
