Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) is introducing bipartisan legislation strengthening federal-tribal border enforcement agreements and the Shadow Wolves unit of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Shadow Wolves are composed exclusively of Native American members and operate in the Tohono O'odham Nation's border with Mexico, tracking and interdicting human and drug smugglers in the area through a combination of traditional hunting techniques and modern tech.
However, the unit has faced difficulty in recruiting and retaining staff, as many are set to retire, while current hiring practices limit its ability to expand to other tribal borderlands.
Thus, Rep. Ciscomani's Shadow Wolves Improvement Act reorients the program from an "excepted service" model to a "competitive service" model, addressing both the challenge of recruiting new members and expanding the Shadow Wolves' reach.
"For decades, the Shadow Wolves have played an essential role in supporting border security and strengthening relationships between DHS and tribal communities," said Rep. Ciscomani in a statement. "Arizona has led the way on this program since the beginning, and this bill helps ensure the Shadow Wolves can continue their mission for years to come."
Representative Tom Suozzi (D-NY), the bill's cosponsor, stated, "The Shadow Wolves have demonstrated their commitment to their communities and their expertise in protecting our borders for decades. This bipartisan bill gives these officers the resources and support they need to continue their work at the highest level, while expanding this successful program to other tribal communities."
The Senate companion bill, introduced by Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), was recently passed by the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
In August, Ciscomani led a letter requesting for federal funding of various border projects, including investment in off-road vehicles suited to the rough terrain of the Tucson Sector, facility expansions for the AMO National Air Security Operations Center-Sierra Vista, AMO Tucson Air Branch, and other facilities. The letter also called for improved non-intrusive inspection technology for the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, Light Enforcement Helicopters for Tucson Air Branch, and improved surveillance technology.
