DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest

Summary

Up First from NPR: Detailed Summary of March 22, 2025 Episode

NPR’s "Up First" delivers the essential news to kickstart your day. In the March 22, 2025 episode, hosts Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin, and A Martinez delve into significant national and international stories, including Department of Homeland Security (DHS) job cuts, intensified travel complications under the Trump administration, the latest developments in the Sudan Civil War, and a heartfelt remembrance of boxing legend George Foreman.

---

1. DHS Job Cuts and Potential Constitutional Crisis

Hosts: Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin, A Martinez
Guest: Ron Elving, NPR Senior Contributor
Timestamp: [01:28] - [04:35]

The episode opens with Ayesha Rascoe reporting on substantial job cuts within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically targeting its civil rights and immigration divisions. These cuts are part of a broader push by the Trump administration to streamline immigration enforcement by eliminating what they describe as "bureaucratic hurdles."

Ron Elving provides an in-depth analysis of these developments, addressing concerns about a looming constitutional crisis. He explains, “The phrase refers to a conflict between constitutional powers that has no clear resolution in the Constitution itself” ([02:13]). Elving highlights Trump’s stance that judges should not oppose him because they "didn't run for president," questioning whether the administration acknowledges the judiciary's role as a check on executive power.

Elving further discusses the broader implications of these DHS cuts, emphasizing that watchdog and oversight offices are critical for ensuring agencies operate within the law. He states, “The new administration sees these watchdogs and guardrails as impediments” ([03:17]). The conversation underscores the tension between the executive branch’s efforts to consolidate authority and the necessary checks and balances that maintain governmental accountability.

Key Points:

• DHS is eliminating offices that oversee civil rights and immigration processes.
• The Trump administration views these offices as obstacles to effective immigration enforcement.
• Potential constitutional crisis arises from the conflict between executive authority and judicial oversight.
• Ongoing legal battles may escalate to the Supreme Court, testing the administration's commitment to respecting judicial decisions.

---

2. Travel Troubles Under the Trump Administration

Hosts: Ayesha Rascoe, Sarah McCammon
Guest: Michelle Hackman, Wall Street Journal Immigration Reporter
Timestamp: [05:41] - [10:44]

The discussion shifts to the increasing difficulties faced by travelers entering the United States. Ayesha Rascoe reports on heightened fears among international travelers about aggressive questioning, searches, and prolonged detentions at U.S. checkpoints. Michelle Hackman elaborates on these issues, noting that minor visa violations are now resulting in severe scrutiny and detention.

At [06:12], Hackman explains, “People are being sent to detention centers, they're being deported over these really minor violations. And it's, it's scary for people.” She provides examples such as individuals on tourist visas who are house-sitting or fiancés of U.S. citizens being denied entry for not holding the appropriate visa types.

The conversation addresses the harsh tactics employed by border officials, including the use of AI tools to search travelers' phones and social media accounts. Hackman states, “It's totally legal for agents to search people's phones, to search people's social media accounts” ([08:15]).

The hosts also explore the broader economic implications of these travel restrictions. Hackman warns that sectors reliant on international exchange, such as universities and tourism, are particularly vulnerable. She cautions, “It could end up being significant,” impacting not only academic institutions but also the tourism industry if potential visitors feel unsafe or face uncertainty upon arrival.

Notable Quotes:

• Michelle Hackman: “People are being sent to detention centers, they're being deported over these really minor violations. And it's, it's scary for people.” ([06:12])
• Michelle Hackman: “It's totally legal for agents to search people's phones, to search people's social media accounts.” ([08:15])

Key Points:

• Increased detention and deportation for minor visa infractions.
• Aggressive use of technology in searching travelers' personal devices.
• Significant potential negative impact on higher education and tourism sectors.
• Heightened fear and uncertainty deterring international visitors from entering the U.S.

---

3. Sudan Civil War Latest Developments

Hosts: Ayesha Rascoe, Sarah McCammon
Guest: Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR’s West Africa Correspondent
Timestamp: [10:44] - [14:35]

Turning to international news, the hosts report on a pivotal moment in the Sudan Civil War. Sudan’s military, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), has successfully recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum after intense clashes with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Emmanuel Akinwotu provides a comprehensive overview of the situation, highlighting the significance of this symbolic victory.

Akinwotu describes the events: “Soldiers were pouring in, praying, cheering, walking through broken glass and concrete everywhere” ([11:18]). The recapture of the presidential palace marks the first time the SAF has regained control since the conflict began nearly two years ago.

Despite this military success, Akinwotu emphasizes the ongoing humanitarian crisis. He notes, “What we have is an increasingly fragmented country that is facing continued state collapse and a famine of a scale that the world hasn't seen in 40 years or more” ([13:53]). The war has displaced 12 million people, and famine has been declared in multiple regions, exacerbating the dire situation.

The discussion also touches on the RSF’s continued resistance and attempts to establish a parallel government, which has drawn international condemnation. Akinwotu underscores the precariousness of the military’s gains, as recent drone attacks by the RSF resulted in fatalities even amidst celebratory moments.

Notable Quotes:

• Emmanuel Akinwotu: “Soldiers were pouring in, praying, cheering, walking through broken glass and concrete everywhere” ([11:18]).
• Emmanuel Akinwotu: “What we have is an increasingly fragmented country that is facing continued state collapse and a famine of a scale that the world hasn't seen in 40 years or more” ([13:53]).

Key Points:

• SAF recaptures the presidential palace in Khartoum, a significant strategic and symbolic victory.
• Continuous conflict between SAF and RSF, with ongoing resistance and attempts at establishing rival governance.
• Worsening humanitarian crisis, including widespread famine and mass displacement.
• The international community remains concerned about Sudan's fragmented state and severe humanitarian needs.

---

4. Remembering George Foreman

Hosts: Ayesha Rascoe, Sarah McCammon
Timestamp: [15:37] - [16:28]

In a heartfelt segment, the hosts pay tribute to the legendary boxer and entrepreneur George Foreman, who passed away at the age of 76. Foreman, renowned for becoming the world heavyweight champion twice and his memorable rivalry with Muhammad Ali in the "Rumble in the Jungle," left an indelible mark both inside and outside the ring.

The segment highlights Foreman’s successful pivot to business with the George Foreman Grill, emphasizing his entrepreneurial spirit. Aiyeha Rascoe recalls, “He went on to become the pitchman for the George Foreman Grill, an electric double-sided countertop appliance that made him richer than his boxing career ever did” ([15:12]).

Additionally, Foreman's personal life is celebrated, noting his role as a dedicated father to twelve children, including five sons all named George Foreman, showcasing his unique family legacy.

Notable Quotes:

• Emmanuel Akinwotu: “My lean mean fat reducing grilling machine with built-in bun warmer delivers great-tasting grilled food in minutes. Best of all, it knocks out the fat.” ([15:21]).

Key Points:

• George Foreman’s legacy as a two-time world heavyweight champion and his iconic matches.
• Transition to successful entrepreneurship with the George Foreman Grill.
• Personal legacy as a father to twelve children, reflecting his commitment to family.
• Foreman remembered as a beloved figure who achieved success both in sports and business.

---

Production Credits and Acknowledgments

The episode was produced by Martin Patience, with contributions from Alaina Turek, Destiny Adams, and Danny Hensel. Editing was managed by Shannon Rhodes, Miguel Macias, Martha Ann Overland, and Melissa Gray. Michael Radcliffe served as the director, supported by technical director Andy Huether. The engineering team included David Greenberg, Zach Coleman, and Arthur Holiday Laurent. Senior supervising editor Evie Stone, executive producer Sarah Lucy Oliver, and deputy managing editor Jim Cain also played vital roles in bringing the episode to fruition.

---

Conclusion

This episode of NPR’s "Up First" provides a comprehensive overview of pressing issues ranging from domestic policy shifts and their constitutional implications to international conflicts and their humanitarian ramifications. Additionally, it offers a poignant remembrance of a beloved sports and business icon. Through in-depth reporting and expert analysis, the episode equips listeners with a nuanced understanding of the day’s most important stories.

Transcript

[Ayesha Rascoe]

The Department of Homeland Security is making cuts to its civil rights and immigration.

[Sarah McCammon]

Oversight offices, saying these offices obstruct immigration enforcement. I'm Sarah McCammon.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

I'm Ayesha Rascoe. And this is up first from NPR News.

[Sarah McCammon]

Coming up, NPR's Ron Elving on the latest news from the Trump administration.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

Travelers to the US Are worried about being interrogated at checkpoints, searched and detained for days.

[Sarah McCammon]

That's because what were once seen as minor visa violations are now triggering major scrutiny from immigration officials.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

Also, Sudan's military says it's retaken the seat of the country's government.

[Sarah McCammon]

Could this be a turning point in the civil war there?

[Ayesha Rascoe]

Stay with us. We have the news you need to start your weekend. This message comes from Comcast. Every day, thousands of Comcast engineers and technologists create connectivity solutions that change the way people work, live and play. Like Kunle, a Comcast engineer who is focused on revolutionizing the in home WI Fi experience today and for the next generation, Kunle builds powerful Xfinity WI FI devices for a fast, reliable connection with capacity to connect hundreds of high bandwidth devices at once. [e-mail] wi fi Here's a question that's.

[Sarah McCammon]

Become something of a refrain over the last several Is the US In a constitutional crisis?

[Ayesha Rascoe]

And it's taken on a new urgency this week amid a showdown between a federal judge, James Boasberg, and the Trump administration over its use of the Alien Enemies act to deport Venezuelans it claims belong to a criminal gang. They're tough people.

[Emmanuel Akinwotu]

They're bad people.

[Ron Elving]

We don't want them in our country. We can't let a judge say that he wants them. You know he didn't run for president.

[Sarah McCammon]

President Trump speaking yesterday at the White House. And joining us now is NPR senior contributor Ron Elving. Hey, Ron.

[Ron Elving]

Good to be with you, Sarah.

[Sarah McCammon]

So to that question that keeps getting invoked, what do you say, Ron, is a constitutional crisis at hand?

[Ron Elving]

We do seem to be walking up to it. The phrase refers to a conflict between constitutional powers that has no clear resolution in the Constitution itself. Now, Trump suggests that a judge cannot contradict him because that judge didn't run for president. One has to wonder, does Trump understand and accept that the courts are meant to act as a check on the elected branches, the Congress and the presidency? This one deportation case is going to an appeals court next week, but there are more than a dozen court rulings out there against Trump. So far they're being appealed, and at least some of them will probably reach the Supreme Court. So how far is Trump prepared to go in pursuing his version of reality here. So far, at least, Trump has said he will not defy court orders. He will appeal them and rail against them and call for impeachment of the judge. But he has not yet said he will defy the courts outright.

[Sarah McCammon]

So, sticking with immigration for a second, there were some notable cuts announced yesterday to a division within the Department of Homeland Security, or dhs. What can you tell us about those?

[Ron Elving]

The DHS is cutting jobs at its office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and in the offices of the Ombudsman for Immigration Detention and the Ombudsman for Citizenship and Immigration Services. The DHS spokesman told NPR Friday that these offices, quote, obstructed immigration enforcement by adding bureaucratic hurdles and undermining DHS's mission. Well, their job was to provide in House oversight and restraint on this powerful agency and make sure it stays within the law and follows its own mandates. That's what watchdogs do. That's what ombudsman offices are for. But here, as with the inspectors general, Trump is fired in various agencies. The new administration sees these watchdogs and guardrails as impediments. And the Trump question is, why should anyone have any authority over these agencies other than the president? People can tell him that this is based in the laws and regulations as written and ultimately in the constitutional separation of powers, but it's not clear he accepts that answer.

[Sarah McCammon]

Now, I think it's worth noting it has not even been a week since members of the Trump administration and the Doge team took over the US Institute of Peace, which is a congressionally funded think tank. Where is Congress in all of this?

[Ron Elving]

That could be the question of the year, Sarah. But let's start with the Institute of Peace. It was created by an act of Congress 40 years ago under President Reagan. Its mission is to prevent or resolve violent conflicts in other countries. The institute calls itself independent and says its employees are not federal workers. But the White House says the president considers the institute to be one of his agencies. And it says the institute employees are rogue bureaucrats. As for the pushback from Congress, well, the Republican Party controls both House and Senate, and it's been very much on board for Trump and so far, at least for Elon Musk as well. The Democrats, meanwhile, are debating how to resist Trump without making bad things happen like a government shutdown, and how to resist without doing damage to their own interests and those of their voters.

[Sarah McCammon]

That's NPR's Ron Elving. Thanks so much for your time, Ron thank you, Sarah. If you have a green card or a valid visa, getting into the US Is usually straightforward.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

Border officials might ask the purpose of your visit and how long you intend to stay and then wave you through.

[Sarah McCammon]

But lately, officers have stepped up their questions and sent some people with apparently minor visa violations to detention centers.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

Michelle Hackman covers immigration for the Wall Street Journal and joins us now. Welcome.

[Michelle Hackman]

Thanks for having me.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

So in your latest article, you mentioned border officials are using aggressive questioning tactics with visa holders and tourists. What are you seeing?

[Michelle Hackman]

Yeah, so we're seeing a lot of cases. And it's tough, Aisha, because the government in many cases is unwilling or unable to give us all the facts in the case. But what we're seeing is people with relatively minor visa issues. So let's say they' on a tourist visa and they're house sitting for someone. Another example, someone who's a fiance of a US Citizen coming in on a tourist visa, and border officials saying, wait a second, that's illegal. You should be on a fiance visa. You know, in the past, border officials would say, okay, there's a problem with your visa. You need to fix it and come back to us. Now, people are being sent to detention centers, they're being deported over these really minor violations. And it's, it's scary for people.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

Obviously, I'm not a lawyer and not privy to everything that ICE knows, but why not just deport someone who has problems with their visas immediately or just turn them around at the airport? Why shackle and chain them and keep them in ICE detention?

[Michelle Hackman]

The reasons that people are being detained for much longer, not entirely clear to me. But often if you are going to be deported, it's something as simple as you need to buy a plane ticket. And the government doesn't just let you buy any plane ticket. You have to buy an open plane ticket, which means they can put you on any flight. And those can run, you know, six, seven, $8,000. People don't often have that money, and so they're being detained longer so they can collect the money just to buy their plane ticket home.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

You've reached out to U.S. customs and Border Protection officials. What are they telling you?

[Michelle Hackman]

Yeah, so they are pointing to President Trump's executive order that orders extreme vetting, and they're proud of this. They're saying, you know, we're enforcing the laws on the books and we're catching attempted terrorists coming into country. We're catching people who are breaking our laws. You know, this is not something that they are not proud of.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

One concern that people have had is border officials going through people's phones and looking for, you know, social media, stuff like that. Is that legal? Is it legal for border officials to go through people's phones?

[Michelle Hackman]

In our laws and in our precedent, we, even as US Citizens, have very few rights at the border. You and I coming back into the country could have our phones searched. And that's even more the case for people who are not US Citizens presence. It's totally legal for agents to search people's phones, to search people's social media accounts. They're using AI tools to find things on people. So it's. It's a much deeper level of searching than people are aware of. And I think people are being even more scrutinized than they were just a few years ago. Because of these really recent advances in AI technology.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

Travelers from Asia, Africa and South America have a much more difficult time entering the US Compared to Europeans in India. The current wait time just for an appointment for a tourist visa is more than a year. Most Europeans don't even need a visa to come to the US for short stays. Is the focus on these European tourists being blown out of proportion or.

[Michelle Hackman]

I think you hear about it again because these are wealthier people who have more savvy about going to the media. You're right that people from generally from poorer countries have a much harder time even getting tourist visas. The denial rate is really high. And so I think a lot of cases people have access to the US at all are being stopped sort of at that level. And so we don't even hear about it.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

People abroad may think twice before coming to the US if they're hearing these sorts of news stories. What kind of impact could this crackdown have on the US Economy?

[Michelle Hackman]

It could end up being significant. You know, right now, the industry that I've seen that has been the most alarmed, I would say, are universities, research institutions, the type of places that rely a lot on international exchange. They have foreign. Foreign students. But it could have a much broader impact. You know, tourism is one of our main industries here in the U.S. but if people feel like they could face danger or long detention, it could deter some people from coming here.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

That's Michelle Hackman. She covers immigration for the Wall Street Journal. Thank you so much for coming in today.

[Michelle Hackman]

Thank you.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

We reached out to the U.S. customs border and Protection Agency to ask them about reports that officials have become more aggressive with international travelers arriving in the US but did not hear back from them before this podC.

[Sarah McCammon]

Sudan's army took control of the Presidential palace on Friday after days of intense fighting with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces known as rsf.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

It's the first time the army has recaptured the palace in the capital since the outbreak of the war almost two years ago.

[Sarah McCammon]

Fighting continues across Sudan, but this is likely to be a key turning point. NPR's West Africa correspondent Emmanuel Akinwotu has been covering this and joins us now. Thanks for being with us today.

[Emmanuel Akinwotu]

Thanks.

[Sarah McCammon]

So if you could just tell us more about what happened in the capital yesterday.

[Emmanuel Akinwotu]

So the Sudanese Armed Forces, or saf, they've been advancing into Khartoum city for the last few months, literally taking it back street by street. And there were days of airstrikes and really intense fighting as the army were approaching the presidential palace, the palace complex. Then yesterday morning, there was footage filmed by soldiers who recaptured it. And it was broadcasted on state TV and just flooded social media. And they showed these scenes of triumph and just pure relation in the republican palace. It's been the seat of power in Sudan for almost 200 years. The grounds were battered. Soldiers were pouring in, praying, cheering, walking through broken glass and concrete everywhere, essentially entering the grounds for the first time since April 2023. The army then announced they'd recaptured it officially and that they were advancing through the city. And clearly right now they feel they're closer than ever to taking the capital back.

[Sarah McCammon]

So this seems at least like a major symbolic victory. But how does this change the course of this war? Is it now closer to an end?

[Emmanuel Akinwotu]

Well, what it does is it cements the fact that saf, the army, they have the upper hand, which many Sudanese people will welcome, even if they have very real fears about the army still, you know, this war broke out because of a power struggle between them and the RSF for control of Sudan. Both of these groups essentially launched a coup against the civilian led government. Most of the atrocities during this war has been committed by the rsf, and people are really desperate for them to be removed so that they can at least contemplate returning home. The RSF's control in central Sudan has essentially been collapsing. They're still moving to form a parallel government, which the US and others have condemned. And they also still control large parts of Sudan, especially in the west in Darfur, where the UN says they're committing a genocide. I spoke to Kholoud Khair. She's the founder and director of Confluence Advisory, a think tank in Sudan. And she said that the bigger picture is still bleak. What we have is an increasingly fragmented country that is facing continued state collapse and a famine of a scale that the world hasn't seen in 40 years or more. And so the military developments are really dwarfed by the humanitarian situation.

[Sarah McCammon]

And that humanitarian crisis we hear about has been worsening in Sudan. Can you give us the latest?

[Emmanuel Akinwotu]

Yeah, it's devastating and it's still getting worse. And famine's been officially declared in about half a dozen areas and that's to rise. A fifth of the country's population before the war have been displaced 12 million people. And even amid the celebrations at the palace yesterday, there was still a reminder of just how delicate these victories are. The RSF launched a drone attack on the palace grounds. Amid the celebrations, five people died, including three staff from the state broadcaster who are only there really to report on this victory and this recapture. Two military officials were also killed and one of them was a media liaison for the army.

[Sarah McCammon]

NPR's West Africa correspondent Emmanuel Akinwotu. Thank you.

[Emmanuel Akinwotu]

Thank you.

[Sarah McCammon]

Finally, a moment to remember boxing great and grill master George Foreman.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

He became the heavyweight champion of the.

[Sarah McCammon]

World twice, first in his 20s. He then lost his title in 1974 to Muhammad Ali in one of the sport's most storied matches, known as the Rumble in the Jungle.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

But he regained it in his mid-40s, making him the oldest man to become world heavyweight champion.

[Sarah McCammon]

He went on to become the pitchman for the George Foreman Grill, an electric double sided countertop appliance that made him richer than his boxing career ever did.

[Emmanuel Akinwotu]

My lean mean fat reducing grilling machine with built in bun warmer delivers great tasting grilled food in minutes. Best of all, it knocks out the fat.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

Foreman was the father of 12 children, including five sons, all named George Foreman.

[Emmanuel Akinwotu]

That was a pretty good name.

[Sarah McCammon]

His family announced his death Friday night on social media. He was 76.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

And that's up first for Saturday, March 22, 2025. I'm Ayesha Rascoe.

[Sarah McCammon]

And I'm Sarah McCammon. Martin Patience produced today's episode with help from Alaina Turek, Destiny Adams and Danny Hensel.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

Our editors are Shannon Rhodes, Miguel Macias, Martha Ann Overland and Melissa Gray.

[Sarah McCammon]

Michael Radcliffe is our director with support from technical director Andy Huether.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

And the engineers who help us out, David Greenberg, Zach Coleman and Arthur Holiday. Laurent.

[Sarah McCammon]

Evie Stone is our senior supervising editor. Sarah Lucy Oliver is our executive producer. And Jim Cain is our deputy managing editor.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

Tomorrow on the Sunday story, with the recent arrest of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity, NPR's Emily Fang takes a look at the aftermath of his brutal war on drugs.

[Sarah McCammon]

For more news, interviews, sports and music. You can tune in to Weekend Edition on your radio. Go to stations.NPR.org to find your local NPR station.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

Foreign.

[Emmanuel Akinwotu]

This message comes from Saatva. Saatva luxury mattresses are made in America by expert craftsmen using the highest quality materials so that your mattress will provide comfortable sleep for years and years. Saatva mattresses are always delivered to your home and set up in the room of your choice. They're never folded and never squeezed into a small box. Visit saatva. Where NPR listeners save an additional $200.

[Unknown]

Work takes up most of your time. That's why you should use stamps.com to save time with your mailing and shipping. Stamps.com will simplify your postage needs and add valuable time back into your workday so you have flexibility to focus on more important things. Stamps.com can handle your mailing and shipping needs with rates up to 88% off. UPS and USPS send invoices, checks, certified mail, packages and anything else you need to keep your business running. With stamps.com if you sell online, connecting with every major marketplace and shopping cart is easy. Plus, you can schedule package pickups through their dashboard and automatically see your cheapest and fastest shipping options from different carriers. With Stamps.com's Rate Advisor, add more flexibility to your workday. With Stamps.com go to Stamps.com program to sign up for a special offer. No contract. Cancel Anytime. That's stamps.com program.