Mideast Ceasefire, Florida Immigration Session, Congolese City Captured

Summary

Up First from NPR – January 27, 2025

Hosts: Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin, and A. Martinez
Episode Title: Mideast Ceasefire, Florida Immigration Session, Congolese City Captured

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1. Mideast Ceasefire and Return to Gaza City

Overview: The episode opens with a poignant update from the Mideast region, where tens of thousands of Palestinians are making their first return to Gaza City since the onset of the war. This significant movement marks a moment of mixed emotions—hope intertwined with the lingering shadows of devastation.

Key Points:

• Mass Return: Over a million Palestinians had previously evacuated Gaza City following Hamas's October 7th, 2023 attack on Israel. After 16 months of displacement, the recent withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain corridors has allowed for their return.
• Destruction and Loss: Gaza City has endured extensive destruction, with neighborhoods reduced to rubble and ongoing risks from unexploded ordnance. Survivors face the grim reality of under rubble remains and the absence of essential services.
• Humanitarian Impact: The returnees are confronted with dire conditions, including ongoing shortages of electricity, water, and adequate shelter. Many are dependent on UN aid, setting up temporary shelters atop the debris of their former homes.
• Emotional Toll: The reunion is bittersweet, as families navigate the losses incurred during their displacement. Children, in particular, face the trauma of returning without their parents.

Notable Quotes:

• Emmett Livingstone (NPR Producer, [03:46]): "I only want to walk to my house, to Gaza City. Just the happiness inside you is driving you all the way... after all of that patience, after all of that missing for Gaza City. Now we're being reunited again."

• Ay Ba Drawi (International Correspondent, [04:22]): "Many people are returning without those they left with parents, are returning without all of their kids, and children are returning without their parents. Thousands of Palestinians were killed while they were seeking shelter in southern parts of Gaza."

Reactions and Future Outlook:

• Israeli Perspective ([05:08]): In Israel, responses to the ceasefire are mixed. While many are relieved by the release of hostages and prisoners, there is significant opposition from the far-right factions who believe the deal is concessionary and leaves Hamas in power.
• Regional Stability: The ceasefire is part of broader negotiations, including a separate agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah. However, ongoing violence and casualties continue to cast uncertainty over lasting peace.

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2. Florida's Special Immigration Session Under Governor Ron DeSantis

Overview: Shifting focus to domestic U.S. politics, the podcast delves into Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's latest push to strengthen immigration enforcement within the state. This initiative aligns with former President Donald Trump's pledge for mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.

Key Points:

• Governor DeSantis's Proposal: DeSantis has called for a special legislative session to discuss proposals that would empower local law enforcement to act as immigration agents. This includes:

  • Mandatory Participation: Counties and cities would be required to assist in federal deportation efforts or face suspension of funding.
  • State Crimes: Making illegal entry into the U.S. a state offense.
  • Remittance Restrictions: Requiring individuals to prove legal status before sending money abroad, effectively blocking remittances from undocumented immigrants.

• Political Pushback: Despite DeSantis's aggressive stance, state Republican leaders have labeled the proposals as premature. They express unwavering support for President Trump but are hesitant to escalate immigration issues outside the federal framework at this time.

• Impact on Immigrant Communities:

  • Fear and Division: Greg Allen (NPR, Miami) highlights concerns that turning local law enforcement into immigration agents will erode trust within immigrant communities. "People are going to be afraid of police officers. People are going to be afraid to report crimes." ([08:15])
  • Economic Consequences: Blocking remittances could have severe repercussions not only for immigrant families in Florida but also for economies in countries like Haiti and Nicaragua that rely on these funds.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Allen (NPR, Miami, [06:55]): "At least for now, Governor DeSantis says he's focused on immigration and could call lawmakers back into another special session if they don't take action now."

• Tessa Pettit (Florida Immigrant Coalition, [08:15]): "People are going to be afraid of police officers. People are going to be afraid to report crimes. That's going to create a very strong divide between law enforcement and community members."

Future Implications:

• Legislative Uncertainty: The special session's success is doubtful as Republican leaders prefer to address immigration during the regular legislative session slated for next month.
• National Trend: Florida's moves are part of a broader Republican strategy across various states, with Tennessee's legislature also engaging in immigration discussions. Democrat-led states are preparing to challenge these policies in court.

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3. Rebel Forces Capture Goma in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Overview: The narrative shifts to Central Africa, where intense combat has led to the capture of Goma—the second-largest city in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—by M23 rebels supported by Rwandan troops. This development threatens to destabilize the region further.

Key Points:

• Capture of Goma ([10:03]): The M23 rebel group, with Rwandan backing, has seized control of Goma after days of heavy fighting, effectively collapsing the Congolese army's resistance in the area.

• Historical Context: The conflict's roots trace back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, fueling ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi groups and spilling over into Congolese territory.

  • M23's Origins ([10:58]): The group emerged from Tutsi-led rebellions and had previously captured Goma briefly in 2012 before going underground. Their resurgence in 2021 has been marked by claims of protecting minority populations.

• Regional Dynamics:

  • Rwanda's Involvement ([11:43]): Rwanda's support for M23 includes deploying thousands of soldiers and sophisticated weaponry, including attack drones. This involvement is seen as Rwanda asserting its influence over the resource-rich eastern Congo.
  • International Response: The UN and Western nations, including the US and France, have called for Rwanda's withdrawal, but no sanctions have been imposed. The DRC maintains that Rwanda’s actions are a security threat.

• Humanitarian Crisis ([10:19]): The capture has left Goma grappling with infrastructure breakdowns—electricity outages, water shortages, and mass incarcerations due to a prison breakout. Civilian life has ground to a halt, with ongoing dangers from unexploded ordnance and active combat zones.

Notable Quotes:

• Emmett Livingstone (Reporter, Goma, [10:19]): "Streets are completely empty... artillery could be heard coming from the outskirts of the city... Goma has been without electricity for two or three days... there's a mass breakout at the prison in Goma."

• Emmett Livingstone ([12:12]): "UN Peacekeepers and Western private military contractors have been fighting alongside the Congolese army... at least six UN Peacekeepers have been killed, so that's a testament to the severity of the fighting."

Consequences and Future Outlook:

• Escalation Risks: With M23 advancing into neighboring South Kivu province, there is a heightened risk of the conflict escalating into a broader regional war involving multiple Central African states.
• Civilians in Peril: The potential for widespread civilian casualties and displacement is significant, as the conflict threatens to spiral out of control.
• Diplomatic Stalemate: Despite international calls, Rwanda remains defiant, citing security concerns near its borders, and the DRC has not declared war, maintaining a fragile status quo that could easily tip into full-scale war.

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4. Sports Highlight: Super Bowl 59 Matchup

Overview: In a lighter segment, the hosts touch upon the upcoming Super Bowl 59, where the Kansas City Chiefs are set to face the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans. This matchup holds historical significance, especially for the Chiefs' potential to achieve an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title.

Key Points:

• Chiefs' Quest for History: The Kansas City Chiefs, appearing in their fifth Super Bowl in six seasons, previously triumphed over the Eagles in a recent Super Bowl. Achieving a third straight title would set a new benchmark in NFL history.

• Eagles' Challenge: The Philadelphia Eagles, having been defeated by the Chiefs in the prior encounter, aim to reverse their fortunes and prevent the Chiefs from making history.

Notable Insights:

• A. Martinez ([13:46]): "Kansas City is going for its third straight super bowl title. That is something no team has ever done in history. Not even the great Tom Brady has been able to do that."

Event Details:

• Date and Location: The Super Bowl will take place in two weeks' time in New Orleans, adding to the city's storied history with the championship game.

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Conclusion

The January 27, 2025, episode of Up First from NPR delivered a comprehensive roundup of critical global and domestic issues. From the fragile ceasefire and humanitarian efforts in Gaza, the contentious immigration strategies in Florida, to the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the episode underscored the complexity and interconnectivity of today's major headlines. Additionally, a nod to the cultural phenomenon of the Super Bowl provided a balanced mix of news and entertainment for listeners gearing up to start their day informed and engaged.

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Production Credits:

• Edited by: Jerome Sokolovsky, Larry Kaplow, Russell Lewis, Danaa Williams, and Alice Wolfley
• Produced by: Ziad Buch, Nia Dumas, and Claire Murashima
• Engineering Support: Nisha Hyness
• Technical Director: Carly Strange

Support NPR: Subscribe to Up First+ for sponsor-free listening at plus.npr.org/upfirst. Support your local NPR station at donate.npr.org.

Transcript

[Layla Faldel]

Hi.

[A. Martinez]

A. Hello.

[Layla Faldel]

Good morning. It's Monday. Oh, wait, not good morning. You don't like good morning?

[A. Martinez]

You can stuff your good morning in a sack.

[Layla Faldel]

You're so rude. Tens of thousands of Palestinians are walking back to Gaza City for the first time since the war began. But the joy of return is mixed with bitter sadness.

[A. Martinez]

Entire neighborhoods are now reduced to rubble.

[Layla Faldel]

I'm Layla Faldel. That's a Martinez. And this is up first from NPR News. A new proposal by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis would give local law enforcement officials the power of immigration agents.

[Greg Allen]

People are going to be afraid of police officers. People are going to be afraid to report crimes.

[Layla Faldel]

But with state Republicans calling the proposal premature, which rules are likely to pass.

[A. Martinez]

And rebels backed by Rwanda have captured the city of Goma in eastern Congo. The violence has roots in the Rwandan genocide of the 1990s. Stay with us. We've got all the news you need to start your day. Foreign.

[Unknown]

Support for this podcast and the following message come from Lumen. Have you ever wondered how your metabolism works? Lumen is a metabolic device that measures your metabolism and gives personalized nutrition insights so you can take control of your health. All you have to do is breathe into your Lumen and you'll know what's going on with your metabolism through the app. Visit Lumen Me First. That's L U M E N Me First. And use the code first to save 20% off your Lumen today.

This message comes from HubSpot, where you can create content fast, get better leads and crush reporting all in one place. Visit HubSpot.com marketers to see how companies like yours are generating 110% more leads in just 12 months. 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 today, tens of.

[A. Martinez]

Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza are returning home for the first time in more than a year.

[Layla Faldel]

This March, home to Gaza City and other places in the north, is a huge moment for families who've been displaced in the war. It comes after Hamas and Israel agreed last night to an additional exchange of hostages and prisoners and detainees. With more people expected to be freed in the coming days.

[A. Martinez]

We're joined now by international correspondent Ay Ba Drawi, who's been following this closely from Dubai. So let's start with the people returning to Gaza City this morning. Take us back to why they were displaced at all.

[Ay Ba Drawi]

Hi A. Yeah, I mean look, a few days after Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7th of 2023, Israel ordered Palestinians to leave their homes in Gaza City and the north. And so more than a million people heeded those orders, leaving with just a few belongings. And many never imagined it would be 16 months of displacement. And during the war, Israeli forces carved out this miles wide corridor, isolating Gaza City in the north from the rest of the territory. But today troops partly withdrew, allow to return. And this is a direct result of complex talks happening regarding the release of hostages and prisoners in the ceasefire. And so a for the first time since I've been reporting on this war, I could hear a level of joy in Gaza I have not heard before. And you can hear an NPR producer Anas Baba's voice. I reached him by phone as he was walking among huge crowds back to his home in Gaza City. Have a listen.

[Emmett Livingstone]

I only want to walk to my house, to Gaza City. Just the happiness inside you is driving you all the way. I'm feeling truly that every single step that I'm taking is truly taking me to the heaven at Galha. Just like after all of that patience, after all of that missing for Gaza City. Now we're being reunited again.

[A. Martinez]

You know, we've been hearing his great reporting on all of this for over a year. So it's really nice to hear the joy in his voice. But what will he be going back to?

[Ay Ba Drawi]

Yeah, I mean, look, Israeli airstrikes have destroyed tens of thousands of buildings. And survivors of these airstrikes tell us that under the rubble are entire families, thousands of bodies that have not been retrieved. The UN also says there are unexploded bombs amid all this debris, posing a huge risk to people. But ENE says people in Gaza have been living without electricity or adequate shelter for over a year now, displaced in other parts. So they're ready to set up tents atop the rubble of their homes. And they will be heavily relying on UN aid for basics like food and water. And there's also this reality. A many people are returning without those they left with parents, are returning without all of their kids, and children are returning without their parents. Thousands of Palestinians were killed while they were seeking shelter in southern parts of Gaza in the war right now.

[A. Martinez]

What's the reaction in Israel been to the ceasefire?

[Ay Ba Drawi]

Do you have so far well, many in Israel are relieved that hostages are being freed in the ceasefire, and there will be three additional people freed this week. That's out of 90 still held in Gaza, many believe to be alive. Hamas has already freed seven Israeli women in exchange for nearly 300 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons just in the first week of the ceasefire. But there are also people on the far right in Israel angry with this deal. They want Israel to return to war, and they argue that this deal leaves Hamas in power. It's also worth mentioning a this isn't the only ceasefire in place in the region right now. The one that halted fighting between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah group was just extended for three more weeks. That's despite more than 20 people killed in Lebanon yesterday trying to return home to their vill or near areas still controlled by Israel.

[A. Martinez]

That's npr. Zaid Batrawi joining us from Dubai. Thank you very much.

[Ay Ba Drawi]

Thank you.

[A. Martinez]

Florida is one of several states where Republicans are considering action to help President Trump with his pledge for a mass deportation of immigrants who do not have legal status.

[Layla Faldel]

Governor Ron DeSantis has called lawmakers to a special session today to take up his proposals, including one that would require local officials to help carry out deportations or face suspension.

[A. Martinez]

NPR's Greg Allen joins us now from Miami. So, Greg, what does Governor DeSantis have in mind?

[Greg Allen]

Well, you'll recall that DeSantis ran for the Republican presidential nomination against Donald Trump, and they were rivals, but now they're working together. And Trump has expressed support for this special session. DeSantis says he talked to Trump about his plans on immigration before the inauguration and says illegal immigration has resulted in massive costs to the American people.

[A. Martinez]

Clearly, I don't think you could have a stronger mandate for action on the issue of immigration than what we have right now and Florida leads.

[Greg Allen]

Among the proposals that DeSantis wants is one that would require counties and cities to participate in the federal deportation program, and it would give him the authority to suspend any officials who don't comply, including those who are elected. He wants to make it a state crime to enter the US Illegally. He also wants to require people to show ID and their immigration status before sending money back home, which would essentially prohibit anyone who's here without legal status from sending any money in remittances back to their home country.

[A. Martinez]

So which of these proposals are lawmakers expected to pass?

[Greg Allen]

Well, at this point, it's not clear if they're going to pass anything this week as governor, DeSantis has the authority to convene a special session. But when he called this one, Republican leaders in the state House and Senate pushed back immediately. They said taking up immigration at this time is premature in their words. In their letter, the House speaker and Senate President told DeSantis, when it comes to immigration, we are strong supporters of President Trump and stand ready to follow his lead. So this really isn't just about immigration. This is about a governor who's been accused of being heavy handed with members of his own party in the past and is now in his last term and might not have the political clout he once did.

[A. Martinez]

Florida has a lot of immigrants, Greg. I mean, so what does this mean for them?

[Greg Allen]

Well, one out of every five Floridians is an immigrant. The executive orders and actions taken by the Trump administration so far have many immigrant communities here shaken. Tessa Pettit, who heads the Florida Immigrant Coalition, says if it passes DeSantis proposal to turn local law enforcement into immigration agents will only increase that fear. People are going to be afraid of police officers. People are going to be afraid to report crimes. That's going to create a very strong divide between law enforcement and community members. Pettit also says blocking remittances will send shockwaves not just through the immigrant communities here, but also to other countries like Haiti and Nicaragua that depend heavily on money from people in the U.S. yeah.

[A. Martinez]

Now what's likely to happen this week, you think?

[Greg Allen]

Well, you know, at least for now, Governor DeSantis says he's focused on immigration and could call lawmakers back into another special session if they don't take action now. But Republican leaders say the legislature will meet for its regular session in just over a month and they want to deal with immigration and other issues on their schedule and during that session if they have their rights. It's clear immigration is going to be a big issue, though, in legislatures across the country this year. Republican led states are looking at many of these proposals being considered. In Florida, for example, Tennessee's legislature is also meeting today to discuss immigration. So states led by Democrats are responding. They're going to court to challenge some of the executive orders and policies. Immigration coming from the Trump administration. So this is going to be going on for all the year, it looks like.

[A. Martinez]

Yeah. The NPR's Greg Allen in Miami. Greg, thanks a lot.

[Greg Allen]

You're welcome.

[A. Martinez]

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, rebels backed by troops from neighboring Rwanda have claimed control of the eastern city of.

[Layla Faldel]

Goma after days of intense combat. The Congolese army has collapsed and the rebel group called M23 say they have captured the city, which is home to some 2 million people.

[A. Martinez]

Emmett Livingstone joins us now from Goma. Emmett, describe the scene for us where you're at.

[Emmett Livingstone]

Streets are completely empty where I am at the moment in central Goma. Over the last few days, artillery could be heard coming from the outskirts of the city, and that transitioned into a constant crackle of small arms fire last night, which I'm still hearing as we speak. Goma has been without electricity for two or three days, so most people are cowering indoors and struggling to charge their phones. Water shortages are also prevalent and shops are closed. There's been a mass breakout at the prison in Goma and many soldiers have fled or are in hiding. Though the rebel group is claiming that they're in control of Goma, the government so far hasn't communicated.

[A. Martinez]

So tell us more about how this whole conflict developed in the first place and about the rebel group M23.

[Emmett Livingstone]

So it's a very complicated story, but zooming way out. A lot of the violence in eastern Congo has its roots in the rwandan genocide in 1994 between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, which then spilled over into Congo. The M23 has its roots in Tutsi led rebellions in Congo. The group captured Goma very briefly in 2012 and then went underground. But it launched a major rebellion again in 2021. It says that it's fighting to protect minorities. The UN says that the group's latest rebellion, though, has been supported heavily by Rwanda, which has de facto invaded Congo and has thousands of soldiers operating alongside the M23. And they're also using very sophisticated weaponry. On Sunday, they were flying an attack drone over the battlefield. Congo has broken off relations with Rwanda and withdrawn diplomatic staff.

[A. Martinez]

Tell us about why this is happening in this particular region.

[Emmett Livingstone]

No one can say for sure why this is happening and especially why Rwanda is so heavily involved. But analysts say that Rwanda wants a say in eastern Congo, which is an area full of mineral riches. And they point out that Rwanda wants to apply maximum pressure on the Congolese government. Regional dynamics are also likely at play, with Rwanda competing for influence in the region against rival states.

[A. Martinez]

So how is the international community responding to this?

[Emmett Livingstone]

UN Peacekeepers and Western private military contractors have been fighting alongside the Congolese army, as well as troops from African allies such as South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi and Burundi. But with the collapse of the Congolese army, these defenders are no longer in action. On Sunday night, the un, The US And France called on Rwanda to withdraw. But so far, no international sanctions have been levied on Rwanda and Rwanda for its part, says the fighting near the border is a threat to its security and requires it to maintain, and I quote, a sustained defensive posture. At least six UN Peacekeepers have been killed, so that's a testament to the severity of the fighting. The military governor of North Kivu Province was also killed on the front line.

[A. Martinez]

So what happens now?

[Emmett Livingstone]

Right now, M23 and Rwanda haven't fully subdued Goma, though it's almost certain that they will. They're also advancing in the neighboring province of South Kivu. So there's a real danger of the conflict growing bigger and bigger. There's also a danger of an all out multi state war in Central Africa. Congo hasn't yet declared war on Rwanda, nor vice versa. But the risks of that happening are now ratcheting up. Many worry that the impact on civilians would be catastrophic.

[A. Martinez]

That's Emmett Livingstone reporting from Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Emmett, thank you.

[Emmett Livingstone]

Thank you.

[Layla Faldel]

And one more story before we go. The matchup for Super Bowl 59 has been set. The Kansas City Chiefs will meet the Philadelphia Eagles in two weeks. And because I know so much about sports, I'm just going to bring a in here to explain this to us. What do I need to know?

[A. Martinez]

Well, I'm sure you already know this, Layla, but for the Kansas City Chiefs, it'll be their fifth super bowl in six seasons. They actually beat Philly a couple of seasons ago in the Super Bowl. But here's the thing. Kansas City is going for its third straight super bowl title. That is something no team has ever done in history. Not even the great Tom Brady has been able to do that. So we'll see. We'll see if the Kansas City Chiefs can actually make history in Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans. And that's a first for Monday, January 27th.

[Layla Faldel]

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

[A. Martinez]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Jerome Sokolovsky, Larry Kaplow, Russell Lewis, Danaa Williams and Alice Wolfley was produced by Ziad Buch, Nia Dumas and Claire Murashima. We get engineering support from Nisha Hyness and our technical director is Carly Strange. Join us again tomorrow.

[Unknown]

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