Blog Boeing, Deportations, ICE, Immigration, Migration, militarization, U.S. immigration policy, U.S. Military Spending Amy Snyder January 5, 2026 0 Comments

Domestic Militarization Watch – News Brief

January 5, 2026

📢 Trump Retreats on National Guard After Court Defeats, But Louisiana Troops Still Activated

President Trump has announced the removal of National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland after a string of legal setbacks that sharply limited his authority to federalize state forces for domestic law enforcement. (Reuters, 1 Jan. 2026).
In a major victory, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked Trump’s attempt to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois, reaffirming that the administration lacked legal authority to use military forces for domestic law enforcement. Civil liberties groups say the decision underscores that using military forces against U.S. cities without clear threats or statutory backing is unlawful and dangerous. (ACLU, 23 Dec. 2025).
Despite this retreat, the Department of Defense authorized up to 350 Louisiana National Guard members to remain activated through February 2026 to assist federal law enforcement in New Orleans and other areas, raising concerns about continued militarization of domestic policing. (U.S. Department of War, 23 Dec. 2025)

✈️ Boeing Awarded $8.6B Contract for Israel, Sparking Backlash

The U.S. Air Force just handed Boeing a massive $8.6 billion contract to build 25 advanced F-15IA fighter jets for Israel, with an option for 25 more, in a deal that could stretch through 2035. The work will be done at Boeing’s St. Louis facilities and is part of the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales program. (Reuters, 29 Dec. 2025).
On the surface, it’s framed as routine defense work. But critics point out that American taxpayer dollars (through military aid packages) largely fund these purchases — essentially routing U.S. aid back into U.S. defense contractors while bolstering another country’s war machine. (Military.com, 5 Jan. 2026).

📈 2025 Becomes Deadliest Year in ICE Custody as Detention Hits Record High

At least 32 people died while in ICE custody in 2025, making it the deadliest year in over two decades. (Reuters, 19 Dec. 2025).
Advocates warn that these deaths highlight ongoing problems inside detention centers, including overcrowding, delayed and inadequate medical care, unsafe conditions, and lack of oversight. These numbers underscore a growing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for accountability and systemic reform in U.S. immigration detention. (The Guardian, 22 Dec. 2025).

🚨California Pushes Back Against ICE Enforcement

California has passed new laws aimed at limiting how ICE operates in the state, pushing back against aggressive ICE actions reported nationwide.
The measures strengthen transparency and accountability, including clearer identification requirements for officers and tighter limits on enforcement actions in sensitive places like schools and hospitals. (USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025).
Advocates say these protections help curb the fear tactics used in immigration sweeps and safeguard immigrant communities from unchecked federal enforcement. (Office of the Governor of California, 20 Sept. 2025).