H.R. 6379: Shadow Wolves Improvement Act

This bill, known as the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act, aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Shadow Wolves Program, which is a specialized unit within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) focused on law enforcement on tribal lands, particularly working in collaboration with tribal governments such as the Tohono O'odham Nation. Here are the key aspects of what the bill would do:

Mission and Goals

The Director of ICE will specify the mission and goals of the Shadow Wolves Program, working closely with the relevant tribal governments.

Staffing and Qualifications

The Director is responsible for:

• Determining the number of special agents needed for the program.
• Identifying the required skills, knowledge, and abilities for these special agents.

Strategy Updates

Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, the Director must update the strategy for the program, which includes:

• Setting measurable objectives for recruiting and retaining law enforcement officers.
• Establishing a timeline for achieving these objectives.
• Creating milestones to recruit qualified agents according to the staffing assessment.

Information Provision

The Director is also tasked with providing information to existing GS–1801 Tactical Officers, helping them understand:

• How reclassification to special agents would affect their pay, including overtime and retirement compensation.
• What training requirements they must complete for reclassification.
• Exemptions from certain examinations and eligibility for overtime during training.

Succession Planning

A plan will be developed to ensure that vacant positions due to retirements are quickly filled with qualified candidates.

Program Expansion

The Director will create criteria for selecting additional tribal lands for expanding Shadow Wolves units, assess the funding needed, and explore potential funding sources. Consideration will be given to tribal lands close to existing federal law enforcement training facilities.

Reporting to Congress

Within a year after the bill's enactment, the Director will submit a report to Congress detailing the progress made in implementing the enhancements to the Shadow Wolves Program, including the coordination with tribal governments.

Career Conversion for Experienced Agents

The bill allows for noncompetitive conversions of experienced Shadow Wolves to career appointments in the competitive service after they have completed three years of service, no matter their assigned location.

No Additional Funding

The bill specifies that no additional federal funds are authorized for carrying out its provisions.

Relevant Companies

None found.