Shadow Wolves Improvement Act

This bill, known as the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act, seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the Shadow Wolves Program by directing the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to specify the program's mission and goals in coordination with partnering Tribal governments, including the Tohono O'odham Nation. The Director must also determine the necessary number of special agents and their required knowledge, skills, and abilities to staff the program nationally. Within 180 days, ICE is required to update the program's strategy to include measurable objectives for recruitment, retention, and expansion, along with a clear timeline and milestones. The legislation mandates that ICE provide current GS-1801 Tactical Officers, who are Shadow Wolves, with detailed written information to help them make informed decisions about reclassifying as special agents. This information must cover potential impacts on pay, retirement, and the steps required for reclassification, including training and exemptions. Furthermore, the Director must develop a comprehensive succession plan to ensure timely recruitment of qualified individuals to fill special agent vacancies resulting from anticipated retirements and establish criteria for expanding the program to additional tribal lands. A significant provision of the bill amends the Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act to allow for the noncompetitive conversion of Shadow Wolves from excepted service to career or career conditional appointments in the competitive service after successfully completing three years of service. To ensure accountability, the Director of ICE is required to submit a report to relevant congressional committees within one year, detailing the progress made in fully implementing these enhancements. This report must specifically address coordination with Tribal governments on the program's mission, which includes tracking, interdiction, and investigation.