Congressman Juan Ciscomani and Congressman Tom Suozzi have introduced the bipartisan Shadow Wolves Improvement Act, aimed at enhancing federal–tribal border security partnerships and supporting the Shadow Wolves program. The Shadow Wolves are a specialized group of ICE tactical agents with Native American heritage who work as expert trackers on tribal lands, particularly on the Tohono O’odham Nation along the U.S.–Mexico border.
“For decades, the Shadow Wolves have played an essential role in supporting border security and strengthening relationships between DHS and tribal communities. 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,” said Congressman Ciscomani.
Congressman Suozzi added, “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. I’m happy to partner with Congressman Ciscomani on such a commonsense bill.”
The program has recently faced staffing challenges due to retirements and recruitment difficulties. A 2024 Government Accountability Office report noted that ICE is considering expanding the program to more tribes near high-activity border areas but faces limits due to current hiring structures.
The proposed legislation would allow ICE to convert Shadow Wolves positions from “excepted service” to “competitive service.” This change aims to make career paths more competitive, improve recruitment and retention, and enable expansion of the program.
Ciscomani stated, “Working in a bipartisan way, we’re giving ICE the tools it needs to hire and retain these highly specialized agents, expand the program to additional tribal lands, and bolster efforts to combat drug trafficking along our southern border. This is commonsense legislation that strengthens security and honors the history and contributions of the Shadow Wolves.”
Support for this act comes from several organizations. Jamie Azure, Chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians said, “Public Safety, particularly drug and human trafficking, continues to plague Indian Country. These issues are uniquely difficult for tribal communities, like the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, who are located along the U.S. northern border. The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act is an additional tool within the law enforcement toolbox that will help. The Tribe appreciates U.S. Representatives Juan Ciscomani and Tom Suozzi for introducing this important legislation and urges its swift passage in the House of Representatives.”
Gary Edwards of NNALEA stated: “The National Native American Law Enforcement Association (NNALEA) strongly supports the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Native Americans play a key role protecting the US Borders and National Security. This bill is a positive step forward in giving Indian Country Law Enforcement the recognition and support they deserve.”
Verlon Jose of Tohono O’odham Nation added: “The Shadow Wolves, an all-Native American tracking and investigative unit, have decades of experience protecting the Tohono O’odham Nation and our border. Their unique skill set and deep knowledge of the land is invaluable to law enforcement efforts to interdict drugs and human smuggling on our reservation. The Tohono O’odham Nation strongly supports the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act, which will improve retention and recruitment of Shadow Wolves agents, and support the Nation’s vital role in protecting our land.”
A companion Senate bill (S. 572), led by Senator Ruben Gallego from Arizona, has already passed through committee with bipartisan backing.
Juan Ciscomani currently serves as U.S. Representative for Arizona’s 6th district after replacing Ann Kirkpatrick in 2023.
In recent elections for Arizona’s 6th district seat in Congress—currently held by Juan Ciscomani—he defeated Kirsten Engel both in 2022 (by a margin of approximately one percentage point) as well as again in 2024 with a narrow majority.
