The Introspective

The week included Middle East troop increases, a lawsuit over ICE shooting evidence, and new enlistment rules.

Dante Belcher

Mar 27, 2026

Trump’s 62nd week brought updates on Iran, the military, ICE and the government shutdown. This comes as 3,000 additional troops were deployed to the Middle East, following a previous deployment of 4,700 troops to the region. The military later raised the enlistment age to 42, raising implications as marijuana restrictions were relaxed.

Following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti—both U.S. citizens—by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Minnesota sued the Trump administration over access to evidence in the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, as the government shutdown continues, Delta Air Lines suspended special accommodations for members of Congress.

Iran and Military

As the war in Iran continues, the Pentagon deployed an additional 3,000 troops to the Middle East, bringing the total to 50,000 troops currently in the region.

This comes as a Reuters poll found that 35% of Americans approve of the war, with 61% disapproving.

At the same time, the Army raised the enlistment age to 42 while easing restrictions on people with marijuana convictions.

“This expedited revision, dated March 20, 2026, increases the maximum enlistment age up to and including age 42 for non-prior service applicants,” read a memo obtained by The Introspective.

“Eliminates requirement of a waiver for a single conviction of possession of marijuana or a single conviction of possession of drug paraphernalia.”

ICE and Delta

Following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE, Minnesota sued the Trump administration over access to evidence in the ongoing investigation.

“These shootings are just three examples of the violent actions committed by federal agents in Minnesota during the Surge,” read the lawsuit.

“Federal agents also carried out illegal stops, sweeps, arrests and dangerous raids in sensitive public spaces. The Surge created widespread fear among Minnesota residents, both citizens and noncitizens,” it continued.

“Consistent with these long-standing principles of federalism, cooperation and evidence-sharing between federal law enforcement and state and local authorities has long been a routine and essential feature of criminal investigations in Minnesota, as in other states, where federal and state interests overlap.”

State officials later wrote that seeking evidence will help determine “whether federal officers committed crimes within its borders.”

“That responsibility rests primarily with Minnesota’s law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities—in this case, plaintiffs—who must gather the evidence, evaluate the facts and decide whether Minnesota criminal law was violated,” the lawsuit continued.

This comes as Kristi Noem stepped down as Homeland Security secretary, being replaced by Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who was sworn in Tuesday.

Meanwhile, as the government shutdown continues, Delta Air Lines suspended special accommodations for members of Congress.

“Due to the impact on resources from the longstanding government shutdown, Delta will temporarily suspend specialty services to members of Congress flying Delta,” said a Delta spokesperson in a statement obtained by The Introspective.

“Next to safety, Delta’s No. 1 priority is taking care of our people and customers, which has become increasingly difficult in the current environment.”

Impacted services include airport escorts and Red Coat services, with the Capital Desk—a reservations line—remaining open.