I'd say it's very much by design because it's a common feature of places America's rulers love - Hungary, Russia etc. One of the many ways in which uppity PMCs get put in their place is by the rulers flaunting their lawlessness and gaslighting the PMCs, while of course making PMCs submit to the rules and work with reality.

So here's we have blatantly illegal behavior by the party that constantly sings about "law and order" and the grating helplessness you feel is what they want you to feel, because they are your masters and want to yo always be aware of this.