Detention Lottery sheds light on the realities of immigration detention

On September 7, community members gathered for the immersive theatrical production The Detention Lottery. The play was written by Margaret O’Donnell, directed by Amy Youngblood, and produced by Chih-Yu Chao.

The one-hour performance revealed the hidden costs of immigration detention in the United States. It explored the impact on democracy, communities, and millions of citizens and permanent residents, including children, affected by the enforcement of immigration laws – laws which are enforced inconsistently, and which are changing rapidly in today’s landscape. After the presentation, attendees took part in a 45-minute dialogue where they reflected on the characters’ stories, which are based on real migrants’ cases.

The event was part of Grupo de Solidaridad’s organizing priority to educate and mobilize allies for migrant justice. By developing participants’ understanding of the difficulties and trauma the immigration system inflicts, we can begin to move from awareness toward action in support of migrant communities.

Proceeds supported our Fondo de Grupo, a resource mobilization initiative we are building where migrant leaders in our network guide the disbursement of a dedicated fund to support migrant communities. Thank you to all who joined, including Grupo members who participated as actors!