Central ND News

Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) have introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. The legislation aims to provide additional career mobility opportunities for Shadow Wolves law enforcement officers and expand the program to the northern border. The Shadow Wolves are a tactical patrol unit within the Department of Homeland Security, composed of members from various Native American tribes. They patrol a 76-mile stretch of land that the Tohono O’odham Nation shares with Mexico and are recognized for their ability to track drug traffickers.

In 2022, Hoeven and Sinema successfully passed legislation classifying the Shadow Wolves unit as special agents. This classification enabled them to better patrol, investigate, interdict, and secure the southern border while mandating a plan to expand the program to other parts of the United States, including the northern border. The newly introduced bill builds on these efforts by further enhancing career opportunities for these agents.

"Border security is national security, and strengthening the Shadow Wolves program is one of the many ways we are working to deploy the personnel, infrastructure, and technology needed to ensure we can restore and maintain operational control of the border," said Senator Hoeven. "Shadow Wolves agents do a tremendous job protecting against drug trafficking in Indian Country. As we work to expand this program, including up to the northern border, it is critical we can recruit, train and retain qualified individuals in this initiative. That’s exactly what this legislation will help accomplish."

Senator Sinema emphasized the importance of fair compensation and career mobility for Shadow Wolves Agents: "Tohono O’odham Nation’s Shadow Wolves are critical partners combating drug smuggling, human trafficking, and other illicit activity on our border. Our bill ensures career mobility and fair compensation for Shadow Wolves Agents so they can continue keeping the Tohono O’odham Nation and Arizona safe and secure."

Jamie Azure, chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, expressed support for the act: "Public safety, particularly drug and human trafficking, continue to be a priority for 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. border," he said. "The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act is an additional tool within the law enforcement toolbox that will help. The Tribe appreciates Senators Sinema and Hoeven introducing this legislation and urge its swift passage in the Senate."

U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) are original cosponsors of this legislation in the Senate. A companion bill is being introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Mark Green (R-Tenn.) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.).

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