The Shadow Wolves say their an all-Native unit of border patrol agents has suffered since becoming part of the Department of Homeland Security.

The unit was created as part of the U.S. Customs Service in 1972. But that agency was eliminated when Congress created DHS in 2003 and moved the Shadow Wolves to the U.S. Border Patrol.

Since then, the unit has been confined to a smaller area of the Tohono O'odham Nation. The agents' duties also have been reduced.

And the force has shrunk from 22 agents to 16, mostly due to retirements. Marvin Eleando, who retired in 2004 out of frustration, said the Border Patrol is pressuring the Native agents to quit or retire.

A bill passed by the House could change the situation. It would place the Shadow Wolves under the Immigration and Customs Enforcement where they would have more ability to investigate drug trafficking and other crimes.

Get the Story:
Shadow Wolves dwindle, cite frustration with Border Patrol (The Tucson Citizen 8/1)

Relevant Links:
Shadow Wolves tribute page - http://www.shadow-wolves.org

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