Immigration Crackdown, Health Officials Muted, Oscar Nominations

Summary

Up First from NPR – January 23, 2025

NPR's "Up First" delivers the essential news you need to start your day. In this episode, hosts Michelle Martin and Layla Falded delve into three major stories: President Trump's immigration crackdown, the troubling silence from health officials affecting scientific research, and the highly anticipated Oscar nominations amidst Los Angeles wildfires.

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1. Immigration Crackdown: Legislative and Military Actions

Overview: On the fourth day of his presidency, President Donald Trump achieved his first significant legislative victory concerning immigration. Congress passed the Lake and Riley Act, a bill aimed at intensifying efforts to detain and deport individuals without legal status who have been charged with certain crimes.

Key Points:

• Legislative Move:

  • Michelle Martin reports that the Lake and Riley Act has been sent to the president's desk, marking a pivotal step in Trump's immigration policy.
  • Quote: “The bill makes it easier for federal immigration authorities to detain and deport anyone without legal status for crimes like shoplifting, assaulting a police officer, or causing bodily harm to another person.” ([02:59])

• Bipartisan Support:

  • The bill garnered support from both Republicans and a notable number of Democrats, indicating a shifting stance on immigration within the Democratic Party.
  • Quote: “Right this time around, 46 Democrats in the House joined Republicans in supporting it. When the bill passed the Senate, 12 Democrats voted for the bill.” ([04:00])

• Implementation Challenges:

  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) faces significant hurdles in executing the bill due to resource constraints.
  • Quote: “Implementation of the bill was impossible to execute within existing resources. They said that it would cost $26 billion to implement in the first year.” ([04:25])
  • The agency anticipates resistance from state and local law enforcement, complicating enforcement efforts.

• Military Deployment:

  • Approximately 1,500 active-duty troops, along with helicopters and intelligence analysts, are being deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border.
  • Their mission includes enhancing detection and monitoring, constructing physical barriers, and supporting deportation flights.
  • Quote: “They will also help with building physical barriers along the border and provide military airlifts to support the Department of Homeland Security with deportation flights.” ([05:12])

Analysis: NPR immigration policy reporter Ximena Bustillo highlights the bipartisan nature of the bill's passage, reflecting a broader political consensus on tightening immigration controls. However, the substantial financial and logistical demands presented by ICE underscore potential delays and inefficiencies in the bill’s enforcement. Additionally, the deployment of military personnel to the southern border signifies an escalation in federal efforts to curb illegal immigration, although the effectiveness of such measures remains to be seen.

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2. Health Officials Muted: NIH Meeting Cancellations Raise Concerns

Overview: Scientists nationwide are alarmed following unexpected cancellations of key National Institutes of Health (NIH) meetings. These cancellations disrupt the collaborative process of determining federal funding priorities for biomedical research.

Key Points:

• Unexpected Cancellations:

  • Researchers received vague notifications about the cancellation of scheduled meetings without explanations.
  • Quote: “It was pretty vague. It said that it's canceled, that they can't offer any further explanation at the time.” ([06:15])

• Impact on Research Funding:

  • The NIH, responsible for allocating over $40 billion annually in biomedical research, has suspended meetings critical for grant decision-making.
  • Quote: “Dr. Starboard told me that these are not the kinds of meetings that can easily be rescheduled... a delay... could really have a negative impact on important cancer research.” ([07:07])

• HHS Communication Freeze:

  • A Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) memo directed all health agencies to halt external communications pending presidential approval.
  • Quote: “The acting HHS secretary... instructed... to refrain from most external communication until they can be approved by... a presidential appointee.” ([07:41])

• Concerns Over Political Interference:

  • Past instances during Trump's first term, where political appointees attempted to alter CDC reports on COVID-19, heighten fears of ongoing political manipulation within health agencies.
  • Quote: “Some worry that these developments are a sign that political appointees intend to exert a new kind of control on the federal health and research agencies.” ([07:30])

• Leadership Uncertainty:

  • The confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as HHS Secretary is pending amid controversies over his stances on abortion and vaccines, as well as potential financial conflicts of interest.
  • Quote: “It's not clear if he does have the support in the Senate to be confirmed... an ethics document... shows Kennedy can still financially benefit from lawsuits against Merck’s vaccine.” ([08:49])

Analysis: Selena Simmons Duffin, NPR's health correspondent, emphasizes the destabilizing effect these abrupt cancellations have on the scientific community. The NIH's inability to effectively fund critical research due to administrative halts could delay advancements in fields like cancer research. The imposed communication freeze not only hampers transparency but also suggests an intent to control the narrative around health disclosures. The uncertainty surrounding the HHS leadership further complicates the situation, potentially leading to prolonged disruptions in federal health initiatives.

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3. Oscar Nominations Amid Wildfires: Hollywood's Resilience Tested

Overview: Despite severe wildfires in Los Angeles causing widespread disruptions and evacuations, the entertainment industry presses forward with the announcement of Oscar nominations. The delayed ceremony reflects Hollywood's commitment to honoring cinematic achievements even in challenging times.

Key Points:

• Delayed Ceremony:

  • The Oscar announcements were postponed twice due to wildfires, which have had a significant impact on the region.
  • Quote: “The ceremony was delayed twice due to the fires raging through Los Angeles.” ([09:36])

• Impact on the Entertainment Industry:

  • Wildfires have affected not only high-profile individuals but also numerous behind-the-scenes professionals, including screenwriters, costume designers, and local businesses dependent on the industry.
  • Quote: “So many people... lost their homes or were displaced by the fires.” ([12:18])

• Award Season Reflects Current Challenges:

  • Debates ensue over whether to cancel, scale down, or transform award ceremonies into fundraisers to support fire victims and first responders.
  • Despite these challenges, film and TV productions have largely resumed, mirroring the industry's resilience seen during previous crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and industry strikes.

• Notable Nominees and Films:

  • Emilia Perez: Netflix's "Emilia Perez," a Spanish-language musical drama about a trans drug lord in Mexico.
  • The Brutalist: A drama starring Adrien Brody as an architect immigrating to the U.S. post-World War II.
  • Wicked: A musical featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
  • Quote: “All of these films have already gotten in love at the Golden Globes.” ([11:50])

• Sundance Film Festival:

  • Scheduled to proceed as planned, providing a platform for indie films that may secure Oscar nominations.
  • Quote: “Sundance is the first time we'll see some of the indie films that might just be nominated for next year's Oscars.” ([13:17])

• Community Resilience:

  • Despite personal losses, many in the filmmaking community are committed to attending Sundance, viewing it as a moment to unite and support one another.
  • Quote: “This really is a moment for the filmmaking community to come together during a really hard time.” ([13:05])

Analysis: Mandalit Del Barco, NPR's entertainment correspondent, underscores the dichotomy between Hollywood's glitter and the real struggles faced by its workforce due to the wildfires. The continued operation of award ceremonies and film festivals like Sundance exemplifies the industry's determination to persevere and celebrate artistic achievement even amidst adversity. The selection of diverse and impactful films for the Oscars reflects a broader trend towards inclusive storytelling. Moreover, the community's resilience in the face of disaster highlights the tight-knit nature of the entertainment sector.

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Conclusion

This episode of "Up First" provides a comprehensive look at pressing national issues, from stringent immigration policies and their implementation challenges to alarming changes within federal health agencies that could impede vital research. Additionally, it captures the entertainment industry's efforts to maintain normalcy and honor artistic excellence despite environmental catastrophes. By weaving together these narratives, NPR delivers a multifaceted snapshot of the current socio-political and cultural landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• “The bill makes it easier for federal immigration authorities to detain and deport anyone without legal status for crimes like shoplifting, assaulting a police officer, or causing bodily harm to another person.” – Ximena Bustillo ([02:59])
• “Implementation of the bill was impossible to execute within existing resources... $26 billion to implement in the first year.” – Ximena Bustillo ([04:25])
• “Some worry that these developments are a sign that political appointees intend to exert a new kind of control on the federal health and research agencies.” – Selena Simmons Duffin ([07:30])
• “So many people... lost their homes or were displaced by the fires.” – Mandalit Del Barco ([12:18])
• “This really is a moment for the filmmaking community to come together during a really hard time.” – Mandalit Del Barco ([13:05])

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For more in-depth coverage, listen to the full episode of "Up First" on your preferred podcast platform.

Transcript

[Layla Falded]

On day four of his presidency, Congress is giving Trump his first legislative win.

[Michelle Martin]

A bill was sent to the president's desk that will make it easier to detain and deport people without legal status.

[Layla Falded]

I'm Layla Falded. That's Michelle Martin. And this is up first from NPR News. Scientists around the country started getting emails yesterday. The National Institutes of Health was canceling meetings where scientists try to figure out what research needs federal funding.

[Michelle Martin]

It was pretty vague. It said that it's canceled, that they can't offer any further explanation at the time.

[Layla Falded]

How will this impact health research?

[Michelle Martin]

And after two delays because of wildfires in the LA area, today, Oscar nominations are finally announced. Who will make the list? Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.

[Jon Stewart]

This message comes from Comedy Central's the Daily Show. Jon Stewart and the Daily show news team are kicking off 2025 with brand new episodes covering a brand new administration and a not quite brand new president. While it may feel like history is repeating itself, it's never been covered like this. With Jon Stewart behind the desk kicking off every week, Comedy Central's the Daily show new weeknights at 11 on Comedy Central and streaming next day on Paramount.

[Unknown]

This message comes from BetterHelp. Every January brings you 365 blank pages waiting to be filled. What do you want your 2025 story to be? Therapy can help you craft the next chapters with purpose. BetterHelp offers therapy 100% online with a diverse network of over 30,000 therapists worldwide. Visit BetterHelp h e l p.com NPR today to get 10% off your first month. This message comes from Grainger. As a maintenance specialist for a historic high rise, you know that vintage charm historically needs constant attention, which is why when it's time to upgrade turn of the century mechanicals, they turn to Grainger. With easy access to a million plus products and the scale to deliver when and where you need them, the right tools and supplies are never far away. So you can keep that vintage building running like new. Call clickgranger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[Michelle Martin]

President Trump's promise to crack down on illegal immigration is moving forward on two more fronts this morning.

[Layla Falded]

Yeah, NPR has learned the Pentagon will be sending roughly 1500 active duty troops to the US border with Mexico. And on Capitol Hill, Congress passed the Lake and Riley Act, a bill that makes it easier to detain and deport anyone in the US without legal status if they've been charged with a crime.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR immigration policy reporter Ximena Bustillo has been following all this, and she's with us now in our studios in Washington, D.C. to tell us more about it. Good morning, Humana.

[Ximena Bustillo]

Good morning.

[Michelle Martin]

So let's start with the Lake and Riley Act. This will be the first immigration bill that President Trump will sign. What exactly will it do?

[Ximena Bustillo]

The bill makes it easier for federal immigration authorities to detain and deport anyone without legal status for crimes like shoplifting, assaulting a police officer, or causing bodily harm to another person. The bill is named after a Georgia woman who was killed last year by a Venezuelan man who was in the US without legal status. Supporters argue that this will increase public safety. The man, who is sentenced to life in prison for killing Reilly, had previously been charged with shoplifting. Proponents say that if he had been detained by immigration officials sooner, Riley might still be alive. But others oppose the bill and say that it bypasses due process, since a person won't have to be convicted of a crime to be detained or deported. Immigrant rights groups also argue that research shows immigrants commit fewer crimes than those born in the US These same advocates say the bill also pushes a false narrative about a connection between crime and immigration status.

[Michelle Martin]

You know, most Democrats opposed the bill, but some did. So I mean, enough that it can credibly say it passed with bipartisan support. What does that say about the politics of immigration right now?

[Ximena Bustillo]

Right this time around, 46 Democrats in the House joined Republicans in supporting it. When the bill passed the Senate, 12 Democrats voted for the bill. That is one sign of how some Democrats are shifting on immigration, especially after Trump made immigration a central plank of his campaign.

[Michelle Martin]

So in terms of enforcement, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ice, will have to do a lot of heavy lifting here. How well will they be able to implement this? Do they have the resources to do all this?

[Ximena Bustillo]

It's going to be very difficult. ICE is one of the federal agencies responsible for deportations. In a memo obtained by npr, the agency warned that implementation of the bill was impossible to execute within existing resources. They said that it would cost $26 billion to implement in the first year. This money is needed for more than 100,000 new beds and hiring more than 10,000 enforcement and removal personnel, which all, of course, takes time to scale up. The agency also warns that it expects state and local law enforcement agencies to refuse to cooperate.

[Michelle Martin]

And have Republicans answered this? What have they said about this concern?

[Ximena Bustillo]

Republican senators told me last night that they're looking to give ICE the resources it needs through the budget process.

[Michelle Martin]

Okay, let's turn back to those troops that are headed to the southern border. What do we know about what they're going to be doing there? What's their assignment?

[Ximena Bustillo]

The acting secretary of defense said on Wednesday that roughly 1500 ground personnel, as well as helicopters and intelligence analysts will be going to the southern border to increase detection and monitoring efforts. They will also help with building physical barriers along the border and provide military airlifts to support the Department of Homeland Security with deportation flights. This comes after the White House effectively closed off asylum at the southern border, ordering agents to immediately deport anyone who crosses between ports of entry.

[Michelle Martin]

That is NPR's Carmena Bustilla. Carmena, thank you.

[Ximena Bustillo]

Thank you.

[Michelle Martin]

Turning now to science, researchers around the country are concerned after the National Institutes of Health canceled key meetings.

[Layla Falded]

The move comes after federal health officials were told to halt all public communications until they could be reviewed by a Trump appointee.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR's Selena Simmons Duffin is here to tell us more. Good morning, Selena.

[Selena Simmons Duffin]

Morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

So what do we know about what's behind these cancellations?

[Selena Simmons Duffin]

Well, what happened is that scientists around the country started getting emails yesterday about travel and meetings that had been set up being suddenly cancelled with very little expl explanation. Remember, NIH is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world. It invests more than $40 billion in research every year, and it gathers together scientists outside the agency into what are called study sections to help them figure out how to spend that money. What research is the most important to fund? Dr. Crystal Starbird is a cancer researcher and a professor at UNC Chapel Hill. And yesterday she got an email about her study section that was scheduled for next week.

[Michelle Martin]

It was pretty vague. It said that it's canceled, that they can't offer any further explanation at the time, and it thanked us for our service to the nih. Okay, this may be basic, too basic, Selena, but could they be rescheduled a little later on?

[Selena Simmons Duffin]

Well, Dr. Starboard told me that these are not the kinds of meetings that can easily be rescheduled. There are a lot of moving parts, different institutions, different timetables. And a delay, especially an indefinite delay like this one, could really have a negative impact on important cancer research. The full scope of these cancellations isn't clear at this point, but a lot of scientists are concerned that biomedical research of all kinds could be disrupted.

[Michelle Martin]

Also this week, the Department of Health and Human Services put a freeze on external communication. Could that be the reason that these meetings were canceled or suspended or postponed?

[Selena Simmons Duffin]

We don't know yet if it's related, but yes, the acting HHS secretary on Tuesday sent a memo instructing the leaders of NIH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, all the other health agencies to refrain from most external communication until they can be approved by, quote, a presidential appointee. NPR obtained that memo and several internal emails that indicate travel is suspended for HHS staffers as well, in addition to the government wide hiring freeze. So workers I've heard from at HHS are quite concerned about all of this. Several said they weren't sure if information and papers that were set to be submitted and published this week will be delayed. So we're waiting to see if infectious disease dashboards will be updated on schedule. And you know, Michelle, looming over all of this is the fact that in Trump's first term, there were instances of political appointees attempting to alter CDC reports on COVID 19. So some worry that these developments are a sign that political appointees intend to exert a new kind of control on the federal health and research agencies.

[Michelle Martin]

And all this is coming while the leadership at HHS is still in limbo. What do we know about what's next for Trump nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

[Selena Simmons Duffin]

Well, his confirmation hearing was just scheduled for next Wednesday. There has been a big lobbying effort to block his confirmation. It's not clear if he does have the support in the Senate to be confirmed, particularly because of his positions in favor of abortion access and against vaccine requirements. And adding to that uncertainty is an ethics document posted online yesterday that appears to show Kennedy can still financially benefit from lawsuits against Merck's vaccine that prevents cervical cancer. So definitely it's going to be an interesting hearing next week, and I'll be here to cover it.

[Michelle Martin]

That is npr. Selena Simmons. Duffin. Selena, thank you.

[Selena Simmons Duffin]

You're welcome.

[Michelle Martin]

The Oscar nominations will be announced this morning.

[Layla Falded]

The ceremony was delayed twice due to the fires raging through Los Angeles. Just yesterday, two new wildfires broke out. Tens of thousands of people were placed under evacuation orders and warnings.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR entertainment correspondent Mandalit Del Barco covers Hollywood's awards season and she's with us now to tell us more about it. Hi, Mandalit.

[Mandalit Del Barco]

Hi, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

So obviously this year's awards season feels different because of the fires. Can you give us a sense of how the entertainment industry is doing? Yeah.

[Mandalit Del Barco]

You know, there's been some debate over how award season should carry on in Hollywood. Some people think that these awards ceremonies should be canceled or toned down or maybe transformed into fundraisers for the fire survivors and the first responders. But, you know, there are a lot of people who work in film And TV who were affected by the fires. Not just those A list actors who lost their houses in the Pacific Palisades in Malibu. But so many people behind the scenes, from screenwriters to costume designers, caterers, and local businesses that really rely on the industry. Many of them lost their homes or were displaced by the fires. And during the worst of it, film and TV productions stopped and most have now resumed. But, you know, productions also stopped for a while during the COVID pandemic and then again during the Hollywood writers and actors strikes. So this just feels like the latest in a series of really tough moments for the industry and for la.

[Michelle Martin]

Yeah, I can imagine. Okay, so the list is is finally coming out. What should we be listening for this morning?

[Mandalit Del Barco]

Well, we might start with Emilia Perez. That's Netflix's Spanish language musical drama about a trans drug lord in Mexico. It's France's entry to the Oscars, and it stars Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, and Carla Sofia Gascon. Hear two of them singing. Another film, the drama the Brutalist, is a sure bet for many nominations, including for actor Adrien Brody. He plays an architect who immigrates to the US after World War II. And of course, the musical Wicked with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Sing it with me, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

Nobody wants to hear me sing, but thanks for the invitation.

[Mandalit Del Barco]

All of these films have already gotten in love at the Golden Globes. And after we learn about the nominations today, comedian and former late night host Conan O'Brien will emcee the Oscar ceremony on March 2nd.

[Michelle Martin]

And I'mMalit, I take it that a lot of folks are gonna head away this weekend to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. That stayed on schedule this year. I think you get to go. Jealous. But what are you gonna be watching there?

[Mandalit Del Barco]

Well, I'm planning to see a few different documentaries, including, including one about John Lennon and Yoko Ono, one about Pee Wee Herman, and another about Sly Stone. That one was made by Questlove.

[Jon Stewart]

Sly was the creator, writer, innovator, poet, genius.

[Mandalit Del Barco]

When it came together to sound, it was so future.

[Michelle Martin]

Mandalit, you were telling us that a lot of folks in the film industry are directly affected by these fires. Some of them have lost their homes. Are they still planning to go to Sundance?

[Mandalit Del Barco]

Yeah, they are. In fact, one filmmaking team behind a zombie apocalypse film called Didn't Die is planning on going. I talked to producer Erica Fishman.

[Unknown]

We've created this plan to be in this place to celebrate this thing that we built together. And it feels essential and comforting that we are able to do that.

[Ximena Bustillo]

Still.

[Mandalit Del Barco]

So this really is a moment for the filmmaking community to come together during a really hard time. And Sundance is the first time we'll see some of the indie films that might just be nominated for next year's Oscars.

[Michelle Martin]

That is NPR entertainment correspondent Mandalit Del Barco Montelit. Thank you.

[Mandalit Del Barco]

Thank you.

[Michelle Martin]

And that's up first for Thursday, January 23rd. I'm Michelle Martin.

[Layla Falded]

And I'm Layla Falden. For your next listen, consider consider this. The team behind NPR's All Things Considered goes deep into a single news story in just 15 minutes. Listen now on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Michelle Martin]

Today's episode of Upper first was edited by Jason Breslow, Diane Weber, Claire Lombardo, Olivia Hampton and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Butch, Chris Thomas, Milton Guevara and Claire Murashima. We get engineering support from Zach Coleman, and our technical director is Carly Strange. We hope you'll join us again tomorrow.

[Unknown]

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