When the Ground Shifts: Acknowledging the Signs

Jillian Aurora
Oct 22
3 min read

This message isn’t meant to alarm — but I write because I wholeheartedly believe in informed self-determination.

We all know American feels uneasy. There’s a quiet (and sometimes not so quiet) tension under the surface politically, socially, and economically. I’m not sharing this to create fear. I’m sharing it because awareness gives us options and wisdom.

Recently, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) increased its spending on weapons, explosives, and tactical gear by more than 700% compared to last year. Between January and October 2025, ICE spent over $71 million on “small arms, ordnance, and ordnance accessories.” Among those purchases were chemical agents and explosive components, far beyond what most of us would associate with routine immigration enforcement.

There’s no official explanation for why this escalation is happening. Some analysts see it as part of a broader trend toward militarization under new policy directions, possibly aligning with Project 2025. Whether or not that connection proves true, the message is clear: the United States is preparing for heavier, more force-based domestic enforcement.

What This Signals

The U.S. has been walking a fine line between freedom and control. When agencies tasked with civil enforcement start buying military-grade equipment, it's clear where the priority is shifting.

This doesn’t mean we’re heading for chaos tomorrow. But it does suggest a government preparing for confrontation instead of communication and that shift deserves honest attention.

If you’ve been feeling uneasy about the direction things are moving, this data supports what your intuition may already be telling you. I say this because it can be hard to acknowledge unpleasant information in a world that is desperate for denial. It’s not paranoia to take notice. It’s discernment.

If You’ve Been Thinking About Leaving

If you’ve been quietly considering considering options, now is the time to lock in your course. Find your place to be, whether at home or abroad. If you've been thinking about relocating, moving abroad, dual residency, or just a backup plan, now is the time to take those thoughts seriously.

Leaving doesn’t have to mean running away. It can be a calm, organized step toward stability. It can be temporary. It can be a tool for rest or regrouping. It can even be an act of resistance itself. Many people relocate not because they’re fearful, but because they value freedom, privacy, and quality of life.

Here are a few steps that can help you start preparing without overwhelm:

Clarify your priorities. What kind of environment do you want to live in — socially, politically, financially, and emotionally?
Commit to your values. Whatever happens around you, what are your most sacred values to protect and practice?
Research destinations that fit your needs and legal pathway options, even if you don't intend on leaving immediately.
Collect and digitize documents (passports, certificates, finances, health records).
Diversify your finances and ensure access to funds outside one single institution or currency.
Plan quietly and steadily. This isn’t about panic — it’s about giving yourself choices.

Even small steps taken now can make a huge difference later.

Choosing Stability Over Uncertainty

At HearthFinder, I write for people who sense that something is changing and want to act before they’re forced to. It’s not about politics. It’s about safety, stability, and the freedom to live on your own terms.

If you’ve been waiting for a clear signal to start preparing, take this as your sign.

The ground is shifting, and it’s wise to plan ahead.

You’re not running away; you’re protecting your peace. You're being a steward of your hearth.

And wherever you go, that peace becomes the new foundation of home.

Sources

Primary Data (Official U.S. Government):

Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) / USAspending.gov — Official contract data under PSC 332994 (Small Arms, Ordnance and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing).

Glock Inc. — Duty weapon replacement scopes & ammunition magazines for ICE/OFTP.
USASpending.gov Contract Listing
Axon Enterprise Inc. — Miscellaneous weapons procurement.
USASpending.gov Contract Listing
Sig Sauer Inc. — Small-arms and ordnance accessories.
USASpending.gov Contract Listing
View additional ICE contract awards by searching “ICE 332994” at USASpending.gov.