logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
34m 32s

Freedom, Autonomy and the Elián González...

NPR
About this episode
Twenty-five years ago, a boy named Eliaán Gonzaález appeared — remarkably alive — in the waters off the coast of Miami. Immediately, his fate became the subject of an international debate: Should he stay in the U.S.? Or should he be returned to Cuba, to live with his father? From our play cousins at Futuro Studios, this is part of their series Chess Piece: The Elián González Story.

We want to hear from you! Please tell us what you think about Code Switch by taking our short survey. Thank you!

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy
Up next
Nov 22
Fearing deportation, undocumented parents are preparing to leave their kids behind
Today on the show, NPR immigration reporter Jasmine Garsd introduces us to two families in Washington, D.C.. One has made the difficult decision to set up "emergency guardianship" for their son, in the case that the parents are deported to Guatemala. The other has agreed to take ... Show More
11m 44s
Nov 19
How undocumented families are navigating the looming threat of ICE
Today on the show, NPR immigration reporter Jasmine Garsd takes us into the dimly lit living rooms of immigrant families — families trying to figure out how to stay safe as they navigate the overwhelming fear of being detained by ICE. These fears have long existed, but for many, ... Show More
31m 58s
Nov 15
How Trump's cuts to public media threaten the first Native American station
On October 1, 2025, public radio stations lost all of their federal funding -- and for Black and Native American community stations, the cuts hit hard. Case in point, KYUK in Bethel, Alaska, which was the first Indigenous-led public radio station. They lost 70% of their budget af ... Show More
17m 40s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2018
Cuba Today: The Question of Markets, Reform, and the Future of Cuba
<p>Andres Pertierra graudated in History from the University of Havana and currently works as a Legal Assistant at an immigration law firm in Washington, D.C. He has written on topics related to Cuba in <em>The Nation</em> and <em>Jacobin Magazine</em>. Andres is on Twitter as @A ... Show More
1h 26m
Mar 2025
Argentina's Death Flights
In 1976, a military coup led to an authoritarian regime in Argentina. The military and its new leader, Lieutenant General Jorge Rafaél Videla, then launched a campaign to eradicate political dissidents. Thousands of Argentine citizens were kidnapped, illegally detained, tortured, ... Show More
48m 40s
Sep 2022
6. A monster with a heart
Pablo Escobar's family tells how the pursuit of the capo caught up with them. They were cornered and could not leave the country to take refuge from the violence. This angered Escobar who would use his family to play the victim during new negotiations with the government. Learn m ... Show More
20m 7s
Feb 2025
"Playing Hard Ball!” Trump's Gaza Plan | Feat Michael Knowles & Scott Horton
No one was expecting business as usual when Donald Trump returned to the US presidency last month - but even his most ardent supporters have been left open-mouthed after hearing his plan to send US troops to the Gaza Strip as part of its recovery. For a man who campaigned on endi ... Show More
1h 32m
Aug 2023
Introducing The Estate
On New Year’s Eve 1973, a man was found bleeding on the street in Stockton, California. Before his death hours later, he names the culprits: his business partners, Calvin Jones and Rosalio Estrada. Host, Alex Estrada embarks on a journey to find if his father, Rosalio, was actual ... Show More
2m 5s
Sep 2024
Rio Boyd - USA
In this episode we cover the bewildering story of Rio Boyd, a 21 year old woman who mysteriously vanished in 2022 and whose family have been desperate for answers ever since.  Rio was a bubbly, creative person, beloved by her family and friends, but just like the rest of us, she ... Show More
29m 48s
Sep 2020
523a Language Vacations; Ex-Pat Mexico City; YOLO Los Angeles
<p>An American ex-pat tells us why he's made Mexico City his home for the past 25 years and how the Mexican capital is becoming a magnet for people from around the Americas. We'll also look at the fun things you can do only in Los Angeles, when the city gets back to its own versi ... Show More
52 m
Nov 2024
The TRUTH about Joining the Italian MAFIA
Hey friends, we are still experimenting with new audio tech, please bear with us while we figure out what is best with our new equipment! We have all seen the movies regarding "the family" and to be honest... Hollywood tends to glorify that kind of livelihood. In reality, its rea ... Show More
56m 3s
Sep 2023
Teaser
Host, Alex Estrada gives the eulogy at his father’s funeral. He speaks of the wonderful person Rosalio was. But what he doesn’t say is that for a long time, he’s had a sinking feeling that his father had someone killed. The Estate tells his journey into finding the truth and reco ... Show More
2m 26s
May 2025
Listener Mail: Australian Cinema, The Barksdale Bubble, El Salvador and Dictators
Cake writes in with recommendations for Australian cinema. Spooky Pants prompts a conversation about the infamous Barksdale Bubble. Starship Home (aka Sugar Homie, aka Supercool Homie) prompts a far-reaching exploration of dictatorships, El Salvador, the US's responsibility for t ... Show More
55m 4s