Shadow Wolves Improvement Act

H.R. 6379 would strengthen the Shadow Wolves program, a unit of Native American law enforcement agents who patrol tribal lands along the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill would allow the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency to convert Shadow Wolves agents from "excepted service" to "competitive service" employment status after three years of satisfactory service. This change would provide these agents with the same career advancement opportunities, compensation, and benefits as other federal law enforcement officers.

The Shadow Wolves, primarily members of the Tohono O'odham Nation, use their unique knowledge of tribal lands and cultural expertise to track drug smugglers and combat human trafficking. The bill also requires ICE to establish clear mission goals for the program and develop strategies for recruitment, retention, and potential expansion to other tribal communities. The legislation is introduced on a bipartisan basis and has received support from tribal leaders and law enforcement organizations who view it as necessary to improve recruitment and retention of these specialized agents while strengthening border security efforts.