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Strengthens and formalizes the Shadow Wolves Program by requiring ICE to set the program mission jointly with Tribal partners, assess staffing needs, update strategy within 180 days, provide reclassification information to current GS‑1801 Shadow Wolves, create a succession plan, and set criteria for expanding units to additional Tribal lands. The bill also requires a one‑year report to Congress on implementation progress and adds an option for experienced Shadow Wolves to convert noncompetitively into competitive‑service career appointments after three years of successful service.
Add a new Section 448 (Shadow Wolves Program) to Subtitle D of title IV of the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The new section defines mission, staffing, strategy, information provision, succession planning, and program expansion duties for the Director.
Mission and goals: The Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement must specify the Shadow Wolves Program’s mission and goals in coordination with appropriate representatives of partnering Tribal governments, including the Tohono O'odham Nation.
Staffing assessment: The Director must determine (1) the number of special agents needed to staff the Shadow Wolves Program nationally, and (2) the knowledge, skills, and abilities those special agents must possess.
Strategy update (deadline): Within 180 days after enactment, the Director, in consultation with tribal representatives (including the Tohono O'odham Nation), must update the strategy required under section 3 of the Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act (Public Law 117–113) to add (a) measurable objectives for retention, recruitment, and expansion goals; (b) a timeline to achieve those goals; and (c) milestones for recruiting qualified special agents to meet the staffing target from the staffing assessment.
Provision of information to current GS‑1801 Tactical Officers: The Director must provide written information to all GS‑1801 Tactical Officers who are employed as Shadow Wolves by Homeland Security Investigations as of the date of enactment. The written information must help them make an informed decision about reclassifying as special agents and must include: (1) individualized information about how reclassification would affect pay, including overtime pay, and retirement compensation; (2) steps required to be reclassified, including whether training is required, descriptions of required training, whether they are exempt from physical fitness, medical, or polygraph examinations, and whether they are eligible for overtime pay during such training; and (3) any other relevant information the Director believes would help them decide.
Primary affected groups are current and prospective Shadow Wolves (GS‑1801 tactical officers), ICE operational and human‑resources offices, Tribal governments partnering with the program (notably the Tohono O’odham Nation), and local/border law‑enforcement partners. Current GS‑1801 Shadow Wolves would receive formal written reclassification information and — if they meet the new 3‑year successful service requirement — a noncompetitive path into the competitive civil‑service, which can improve retention and career stability. ICE will need to assess staffing gaps, update strategy documents, create succession and expansion criteria, and produce a congressionally mandated status report within one year, increasing agency implementation workload. Tribal partners gain a stronger statutory role in mission definition and in planning for any expansion of units onto Tribal lands; that could improve coordination but also raises sensitivity around law enforcement activity on tribal jurisdictions. Because the bill does not appropriate funds, successful implementation may require ICE to reallocate resources or seek additional appropriations; absence of budget language could constrain hiring, unit expansion, or other operational changes. Congressional reporting requirements increase oversight and transparency of ICE–Tribal coordination and program changes.
Adds a new section 448 "Shadow Wolves Program" to Subtitle D of title IV of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 251 et seq.), establishing mission and goals, staffing determinations, a strategy update requirement, provision of written information to GS-1801 Tactical Officers employed as Shadow Wolves, a succession plan, and program expansion criteria.
Amends the table of contents for the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by inserting a new item after the item relating to section 447 corresponding to the newly added section (section 448).
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Introduced February 13, 2025 by Ruben Gallego · Last progress February 13, 2025
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 251.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Paul with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.