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On the ICE dot gov website:
The Shadow Wolves are a Native American tactical patrol unit assigned to HSI in Sells, Arizona located on the Tohono O’odham Nation that runs along the Mexico–United States border.
The name “Shadow Wolves” refers to the way the unit hunts, like a wolf pack. The Shadow Wolves specialize in the interdiction of human and drug smugglers who conduct their illegal operations through the rugged terrain of the Sonoran Desert. All of the Shadows Wolves must have at least one fourth Native American ancestry. The Tohono O’odham Nation covers 2.8 million acres, including a 76-mile stretch of land shared with Mexico.
These highly trained officers use modern technology and a traditional Native American tracking technique called “cutting for sign,” which means they locate and interpret any kind of physical evidence left by smugglers and decode their meaning.
Examples of physical evidence include:
- Footprints;
- Tire tracks;
- Thread;
- Clothing.
The Shadow Wolves are the Department of Homeland Security’s only Native American tracking unit specifically utilized for targeted interdiction operations. Between 2010 and 2020, interdiction and investigative efforts the Shadow Wolves have led or participated in have resulted in 437 drug and immigration arrests along with the seizure of over 117,264 pounds of drugs, 45 weapons, 251 vehicles and $847,928 in U.S. currency.