Reports surface today of a new plan by the Homeland Security Department to conduct raids on thousands of central African families that have ignored recent removal orders. As NPR's John Burnett reports the news took immigration interests groups by surprise. The Women's Refugee Commission can not believe the Homeland Security Department leaked its upcoming deportation plan just before Christmas. It's the season when we're all talking about welcoming the strangers and refugees. Says the commission's, 'I'm shocked about the timing.' Most of the asylum-seekers who have access to an attorney win their cases. Cecilia Wong with the ACLU questions how many of the families lost their asylum cases because they did't understand the legal system. Meanwhile, a skeptical Mark Krikorian , director of the Center for Immigration Studies which favors fewer immigrants, tells the Washington Post 'I'll believe it when I see it.' He says the government may only deport a few families just for show. Enforcement theater. John Burnett, NPR news.

 

 

Israeli officials say there were three attacks on Israelis on the West Bank and three Palestinian assailants were killed. A fourth Palestinian was killed in a confrontation with the Israeli troops. Daniel Estrin reports from Bethlehem. In one incident, Israeli official says a Palestinian stabbed and moderately wounded two Israeli security guards in the West Bank settlement and the guards shot and killed him. In another incident, they say soldiers shot and killed a Palestinian who tried to stab the troops. In a third incident, the army says a Palestinian driver ran his car into an Israeli soldiers lightly injuring one before he was shot and killed. Palestinian health officials say Israeli troops shot and killed a fourth Palestinian during a clash between Palestinian protesters and Israeli troops. For NPR news, I'm Daniel Estrin in Bethlehem.

 

 

At the Vatican, Pope Francis celebrating Christmas Eve mass at the St Petersburg basilica as Catholic faithfuls recalled the birth of Jesus. Some children invited to attend the mass came from the countries that Francis visited as pontiff. This will be the Pope's only public mass for Christmas. Tomorrow tens of thousands flock to St Petersburg outside the basilica to hear the pope deliver a tradition noon time speech. 

 

 

A mixed close on Wall Street. The Dow was down 50 points today. The NASDAQ closed up 2 points. You're listening to NPR news in Washington. 

 

 

Rolling Stone Magazine is urging a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by three former University of Virginia students over now a debunked story about a gang campus rape. The students were suing the magazine over the 2014 article which described  the gang rape of a female student at the fraternity house in 2012. Rolling Stone has apologized for discrepancy in that account after the story sparked nationwide debate. Over that the magazine argues the lawsuit should be thrown out because the article never referred to them by name. 

 

 

Spending bill at congress passed earlier this month offers long overdue compensation for victims of terror attacks from the 1998 East Africa Embassy bombings to American held hostages in Iran. NPR's Michele Kelemen has more. The agreement that freed 53 hostages after 444 harrying days barred them from seeking compensation for their ordeal, 36 years later though, they have the words of their lawyers crossed the finishing line. 37 of the former hostages are still alive and are to receive up to 4.4 million dollars each. Compensation will be also be paid out to the families of those who have since died. It also has bene an emotional time for the survivors of the 1998 attack on the US embassy in Kenya. They and survivors of other attacks will receive compensation too, all funded through the penalties paid by a French bank that violated US sanctions. Michele Kelemen,  NPR news Washington.

 

 

US retailers are ruffing bigger discounts this year. It appeals to your right according to a market track which reviews circulars of the top 11 retailers. Some of the hottest products this holiday season are selling for as much as 40 percent below their prices on the day after Thanksgiving. I'm Jack Speer, NPR news.