Politics and views in the United States.

El Salvador's President rejects returning a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported. The US stock market improves, but confusion lingers around tariffs. And universities try to comply with President Trump's DEI orders.

TRANSCRIPT

Welcome to 2025 Talks, where we're following our democracy in historic times.

How can I return him to the United States?

Like, I smuggle him into the United States?

Of course, I'm not going to do it.

It's like, I mean, the question is preposterous.

During a Nobel office meeting, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said he has no intentions of returning a wrongfully deported Maryland man.

The Supreme Court ruled the administration has to facilitate the return of Quilmar Abrego Garcia.

But in spite of court orders in the case, President Donald Trump continues to argue Garcia is a member of MS-13 and no judge has the right to conduct foreign policy.

A Columbia University student and green card holder was arrested by federal agents during a Vermont naturalization ceremony.

Mohsen Madawi's lawyer claims it was because he joined protests against the Israel-Gaza war.

Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders and Democratic Congresswoman Becca Balint have called Madawi's detention immoral, inhumane and illegal.

A federal judge has blocked his deportation.

Nevada immigration attorney Martha Menendez is encouraging those who may be in jeopardy to make a family plan.

She says if ICE knocks on your door, don't open it.

First, ask what they want and if they have a warrant.

Make sure when you are asking them for documents that they slide it under the door, that they put it up against the window, that you see that it is signed by a judge and that it says that they have the right to come in and arrest you.

Otherwise, they do not.

U.S. stock markets rose Monday after the White House rolled back tariffs on imported smartphones and electronics.

But the administration says the exemptions aren't permanent and products will eventually face import taxes.

On CNN, Republican Louisiana Senator John Kennedy argued the uncertainty surrounding tariffs is intentional.

I think the administration, for whatever reason, is obfuscating a little bit.

Maybe it's part of the president's negotiating strategy.

I just don't know.

I do know this.

Tariffs are important, but so are high prices.

Universities are wrestling with Trump's order to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs to avoid federal funding cuts.

Some schools have canceled all gatherings for race-related student groups, while others are finding workarounds.

Brooklyn Clayton with the Associated Students of Northern Arizona University says DEI programs don't promote favoritism.

DEI initiatives, they're not giving higher priority to brown or black students, to queer students.

They're giving them an equal seat at the table so that you have an actual voice from everyone instead of just the people that can afford to be there.

A federal court has ruled that challenged votes in a North Carolina state Supreme Court race will be counted, but military and overseas voters will have to provide proof of identification for their absentee ballots within 30 days.

Justice Allison Riggs won re-election by about 700 votes.

I'm Alex Gonzalez for Pacifica Network and Public News Service.

Find our trust indicators at publicnewsservice.org.