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 and receiving the approval and consent of the appropriate Indian tribe. 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: Sen. Sinema, Kyrsten [D-AZ]
Target Audience
Population: People associated with the Tohono O'odham Nation and other tribal nations with similar units
Estimated Size: 50000
- The Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act targets the Tohono O'odham Nation and potentially other comparable units within tribal lands.
- It directly impacts officers within the Shadow Wolves unit, as they may be reclassified as ICE special agents.
- The act involves the Tohono O'odham Nation, so it primarily affects members of this tribe.
- Other tribal nations with comparable units may also be affected if they choose to participate and consent.
- Potential expansion through this program could have further impacts depending on the DHS and GAO studies.
Reasoning
- This policy primarily targets officers within the Shadow Wolves unit on the Tohono O'odham Nation land. Hence, the direct impact will be more pronounced among individuals directly involved in or associated with this unit.
- The budget constraints mean that this policy will need to be carefully implemented and expanded over time, focusing initially on local impacts before considering broader national implementation.
- Other tribes with comparable units may choose to participate, expanding the reach of this policy.
- Officers who become ICE special agents may experience changes in job satisfaction and wellbeing, which we should account for in their predicted wellbeing scores.
- Individuals not directly involved with the program—including those in nearby communities and others with indirect connections—should also be considered, including any potential secondary impacts such as changes in community relations or perceptions.
Simulated Interviews
Law enforcement officer (Tohono O'odham Nation, Arizona)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this as a great opportunity to enhance our capabilities and recognition.
- Being reclassified as an ICE special agent could provide more resources and training, which can improve job satisfaction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Advocate for tribal rights (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could increase militarization, which worries some community members.
- However, potential positive impacts on safety and job satisfaction could benefit the communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Teacher (Tohono O'odham Nation, Arizona)
Age: 43 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm supportive of providing officers with more opportunities for career advancement.
- We need to ensure the program aligns with our community's values and priorities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
ICE officer (Tucson, Arizona)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might improve collaboration between ICE and tribal officers.
- Concerns include maintaining respect for tribal sovereignty.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Unemployed (Flagstaff, Arizona)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Heard about the policy, but it doesn't directly affect me unless job opportunities increase.
- Any government investment in the area is welcomed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Lawyer specializing in tribal law (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about the potential overreach of federal authority on tribal lands.
- However, if handled properly, it could set positive precedents in federal-tribal relations.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cultural liaison (Tohono O'odham Nation, Arizona)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic but cautious about the policy's impact on preserving our traditions.
- We must ensure the policy respects our cultural practices.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Federal government employee (Sacramento, California)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The expansion of the Shadow Wolves program could be a positive step for federal collaboration with tribes.
- It's crucial to ensure sustainability and respect for tribal laws.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired military officer (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Investing in tribal units like the Shadow Wolves can enhance national security.
- I hope this policy fosters better understanding between tribal and national agencies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
College student (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might open new opportunities for indigenous people in law enforcement careers.
- It's exciting to see policies that might impact my future career choices positively.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $6000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $7000000)
Year 3: $6000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $7000000)
Year 5: $7000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $8000000)
Year 10: $7000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $8000000)
Year 100: $7000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $8000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy's success hinges on the participation and consent of tribal nations, affecting its scope and impact.
- Reclassification involves both benefits and logistical challenges, including training and salary adjustments.
- Costs related to setting up training programs and studies could vary significantly based on operational decisions.