Up First from NPR – Episode Summary

Episode: Coast Guard Pursues Tanker, Epstein Files Release, Immigration Court No-Shows
Date: December 22, 2025
Hosts: Steve Inskeep, Layla Fadel
Correspondents: Carrie Kahn, Luke Garrett, Ximena Bustillo
Length: ~16 minutes

Overview

This episode dives into three significant news stories shaping the headlines for December 22, 2025:

• The U.S. Coast Guard’s ongoing actions against Venezuelan oil tankers in the Caribbean,
• The partial and contentious release of Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein,
• An NPR analysis on a rise in deportations due to immigrants not showing up at immigration court.

1. U.S. Coast Guard Pursues Venezuelan Oil Tankers

Segment: 03:40–07:48
Reporters: Steve Inskeep, Layla Fadel, Carrie Kahn

Key Points & Insights

• Active Pursuit: The Coast Guard is currently chasing a "dark fleet" oil tanker near Venezuela. The U.S. claims it's attempting to evade sanctions, using deceptive practices like flying false flags and disabling transponders ([04:11]).
• Multiple Incidents: Over the weekend, the Coast Guard seized a second ship—though confusion exists over whether that ship was actually sanctioned. The vessel reportedly flew a Panamanian flag ([05:41]).
• Policy Context:
  • Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem asserted the crackdown is part of an anti–"narco-terrorism" campaign, linking Venezuela’s oil sales to such funding ([05:53]).
  • The Trump administration recently announced a “total and complete blockade” against Venezuelan oil, citing claims the oil is "stolen" from the U.S., although the historical and legal justification is unclear.
• Venezuelan Response:
  • President Nicolás Maduro condemned the ship seizures, labeling them "piracy and theft," and called for U.N. intervention ([07:02]).
  • Maduro has been rallying public support with slogans like, “We just want peace, not war,” even sporting the phrase on a MAGA-style hat ([07:44]).

Notable Quotes

• “The officials said that ship, the tanker was, quote, a dark fleet vessel attempting to illegally evade sanctions.” – Carrie Kahn ([04:11])
• “Until they return to the United States of America all of the oil, land and other assets that Venezuela stole from us.” – President Trump, via Carrie Kahn ([06:09])
• “Maduro put out a video accusing the U.S. of piracy and theft. He’s called for the U.N. to intervene.” – Carrie Kahn ([07:04])

2. Epstein Files Release Stirs Criticism and Political Fallout

Segment: 07:57–11:37
Reporters: Steve Inskeep, Layla Fadel, Luke Garrett
Congressional Voices: Rep. Ro Khanna (CA), Rep. Thomas Massie (KY)

Key Points & Insights

• DOJ’s Partial File Release:
  • The Department of Justice released additional Epstein-related files over the weekend, including some newly unredacted material.
  • Despite this, “no major revelations” emerged: “the names remain largely redacted,” and most significant details remain hidden ([08:32]).
  • The files confirm that some government authorities received reports about Epstein’s crimes decades before any federal investigation.
• Problems and Delays:
  • Technical issues plagued the DOJ’s “Epstein Library,” including missing search results and deleted, then restored, documents.
  • The agency admitted to mistakes due to a “huge time crunch” and is allowing public feedback for further redaction reviews ([09:40]).
• Congressional Response:
  • Lawmakers are frustrated the DOJ missed a legal deadline. Rep. Ro Khanna said, “Pam Bondi is breaking the law, and this is the corrupt system, the Epstein class, that people are sick of” ([10:15]).
  • Some, like Rep. Massie, are pushing for “inherent contempt,” which would allow Congress to fine or jail the attorney general directly, a power unused since 1935 ([10:36]).
  • Political repercussions have started: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a strong Trump ally, has distanced herself due to the controversy ([11:35]).

Notable Quotes

• “The DOJ did release two more data sets...the 119-page document did not have any major revelations such as new co-conspirators or crimes.” – Luke Garrett ([08:32])
• “Pam Bondi is breaking the law, and this is the corrupt system, the Epstein class, that people are sick of.” – Rep. Ro Khanna ([10:15])
• “I think most expeditious way to get justice for these victims is to bring inherent contempt against Pam Bondi.” – Rep. Thomas Massie ([10:36])

3. Rise in Deportation Orders from Immigration Court No-Shows

Segment: 11:46–15:10
Reporters: Steve Inskeep, Layla Fadel, Ximena Bustillo

Key Points & Insights

• Sharp Increase in No-Shows and Deportation Orders:
  • NPR data analysis finds over 50,000 people received “in absentia” removal orders from January to November 2025—a nearly threefold increase from last year ([12:53]).
  • Traditionally, most immigrants did attend their hearings, but a shift began in June 2025.
• Why the Change?
  • Heightened fears arose after ICE began making arrests at some courts in June. Even though these arrests were rare, word-of-mouth spread anxiety throughout immigrant communities ([13:25]).
  • Attorney Ruby Powers: “At least the word had spread, the fear had spread. And so then individuals were really hesitant to going to court.” ([13:34])
• Due Process Concerns:
  • Some experts argue that skipping court forfeits due process rights, while others emphasize that fear—rather than disregard for the law—is driving absences.
  • Less than a 1% actual arrest rate in courts, but perception of risk much higher due to media coverage ([14:57]).

Notable Quotes

• “People lose their cases in absentia without coming to court to argue their cases.” – Layla Fadel ([11:51])
• “We found that in nearly every immigration court in the country, more people are getting these orders saying they basically didn’t show...More than 50,000 people in that time. Wow. Nearly three times the number from the last fiscal year.” – Ximena Bustillo ([12:53])
• “Due process and immigration can already be fairly limited. This administration has thrown into question whether these courts are even needed and if immigrants want to participate.” – Ximena Bustillo ([13:51])
• “By failing to appear, they were given their due process. They simply opted not to take the government up on the offer and are now amenable to removal.” – Andrew Arthur, Center for Immigration Studies ([14:07])

Memorable Moments & Closing

• Strong congressional rhetoric around government secrecy and the Epstein files (“Pam Bondi is breaking the law...the corrupt system...people are sick of.” – Ro Khanna, [10:15])
• Vivid detail from Carrie Kahn of Maduro’s political messaging: “He’s also giving long speeches on state TV where he insists he just wants peace, not war...He’s even printed it on a MAGA style red hat you see him wearing a lot, too.” ([07:44])
• Revelatory data on how fear—much more than actual risk—shapes immigrants’ decisions (“That broader uncertainty...looms over immigrants and their lawyers, who are thinking about these next steps.” – Ximena Bustillo, [14:57])

Timestamps Guide

• Coast Guard Tanker Pursuit – 03:40–07:48
• Epstein Files Release – 07:57–11:37
• Immigration Court No-Shows – 11:46–15:10

For further insight, listen to the full episode or NPR's “Consider This” for a deep dive on single stories.