(The Center Square) – Legislation for reservation border authorities critical in the nation’s grappling of the ongoing migrant crisis cleared the United States Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee.
The “Shadows Wolves Improvement Act” is intended to provide Tohono O’odham Nation’s border authorities, known as “shadow wolves,” more room to grow within Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Specifically, the “tactical patrol unit” is meant to help with Homeland Security Investigations and their efforts to combat drug trafficking.
The nation is located in the Tucson Sector, where arrests have gone down but the region still continues to face numerous issues related to the mass migration and drug trafficking activity along the border.
“The Shadow Wolves are a critical asset of our nation’s border security efforts, using their unique skills and knowledge to stop dangerous drug and human trafficking operations on tribal lands,” U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., stated. “By enhancing recruitment and retention, we are not only protecting the Tohono O’odham Nation but strengthening security along our entire southern border. I’m proud to see our bill advance with strong bipartisan support, and I look forward to seeing it through to final passage.”
The legislation is backed by Arizona Sens. Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, as well as North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven and Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford, indicating the bill could have the bipartisan support it needs to make it through both chambers and perhaps get a signature by President Joe Biden.
The Center Square previously reported that the bill would bump them to “competitive” employees from “excepted” ones, which would allow for more opportunities down the line. The goal is to get those in the unit to remain and also encourage others to join.
Hoeven said the provisions in the bill could be helpful as the program plans to grow larger even at the “northern border.”
The nation’s leadership has remained “strongly” supportive of the legislation, saying it will benefit their community members from both a jobs and public safety standpoint.
“The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has done great work incorporating feedback from the Nation into this bill,” Verlon Jose, Chairman of Tohono O’odham Nation, said in a statement. “Its passage will ensure that this group of Native American agents can continue to grow and provide their uniquely important capabilities to protect the Tohono O’odham and the U.S. homeland.”
