Bill Overview
Title: Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act
Description: This bill authorizes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reclassify officers assigned to the tactical patrol unit on Tohono O'odham Nation land, commonly known as Shadow Wolves , as ICE special agents upon completing certain required training. Officers assigned to a comparable unit, regardless of location, may also be reclassified as ICE special agents upon completing the training. The Department of Homeland Security and the Government Accountability Office shall separately study and report on the best processes for expanding the Shadow Wolves program.
Sponsors: Rep. Katko, John [R-NY-24]
Target Audience
Population: People living in or around areas where the Shadow Wolves and similar units operate in the US
Estimated Size: 300000
- The Shadow Wolves is a tactical patrol unit currently working on Tohono O'odham Nation land, which is focused on border security and preventing illegal activities.
- Therefore, the population of Tohono O'odham Nation are directly impacted as the local community where these officers operate.
- Other communities living near the border zones where similar units may be deployed could also be impacted.
- The officers currently working in the Shadow Wolves unit will be directly impacted as they undergo reclassification and training.
- Members of other law enforcement agencies working near the border might be impacted due to potential changes in operations and coordination with reclassified officers.
- The bill mandates a national study by the Department of Homeland Security and the Government Accountability Office that suggests possible expansion of this program, meaning other border areas throughout the US might eventually see this program implemented, thereby impacting those local populations.
- Overall changes to border security practices indirectly impact individuals involved in or affected by border crossing activities.
Reasoning
- The Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act primarily influences those in or near the Tohono O'odham Nation and similar border areas where tactical patrol units operate. Consequently, the interviews include community members, ICE officers, and border residents.
- The budget for the policy reflects moderate funding that allows for reclassification and training processes, impacting officers directly. Indirectly, its effect on border security may influence local communities through changes in operational approaches.
- Wellbeing is assessed through Cantril scores, based on perceptions of security, job satisfaction (for officers), and community impact. The scores fluctuate based on direct engagement with the reclassified units and how individuals perceive the effectiveness of these changes.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (Sells, Arizona)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The Shadow Wolves have always been integral to our community. Enhancing their capabilities could certainly increase our security.
- I'm hopeful about the training enhancing their effectiveness without encroaching on our rights and traditions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
ICE Officer (Nogales, Arizona)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The reclassification to special agents is a great professional opportunity.
- It's also more responsibility; I hope the training adequately prepares us for enhanced duties.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Customs Officer (San Diego, California)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm curious how this reclassification will affect inter-agency collaboration across state lines.
- It's an interesting development, and I'm optimistic but cautious.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Border Community Aid Worker (El Paso, Texas)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the goal of the Shadow Wolves is to improve security, I'm concerned about potential overreach.
- It's crucial that this transformation doesn't negatively impact the vulnerable communities we serve.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhancing the Shadow Wolves sounds like a move in the right direction in terms of protecting the border.
- It's essential though that this doesn't lead to unnecessary militarization.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
University Student (Tucson, Arizona)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could shift dynamics in ways that aren’t immediately visible but are palpable in community relations.
- Gaining knowledge of the policy's effects through my internship helps me understand its potential impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Nurse (Tucson, Arizona)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Changes in security at the border usually ripple through to our clinic in various ways.
- I'm waiting to see if there are increased health concerns or stress due to this change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Logistics Manager (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Higher security could mean delays, but if managed well, it should reduce illicit activities impacting our shipments.
- I'd support any measure that is precise and efficient in controlling border challenges.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cattle Rancher (San Antonio, Texas)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Security improvements are generally welcome, especially if they help manage the crossings through my property.
- My concern lies with the effectiveness and impact on my way of life and business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Age: 32 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Security measures often impact the environment significantly.
- I hope that the enhancements consider ecological impacts and factor in sustainable practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $8000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $10000000)
Year 2: $6000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $7000000)
Year 3: $4000000 (Low: $3500000, High: $5000000)
Year 5: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $4000000)
Year 10: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $3000000)
Year 100: $1000000 (Low: $750000, High: $2000000)
Key Considerations
- Retraining costs and potential salary increases for reclassified agents will impact overall personnel budgets.
- The geographic and operational expansion of the program could evolve from these studies, altering future budget needs.
- DHS and GAO's studies will entail initial costs but could lead to functional improvements and eventual cost efficiencies.