Detention Lottery

We attended a performance of "The Detention Lottery" the other evening.  Really an extraordinary local production.  A play regarding immigration court with all parts played (and written by) local immigration attorneys.  Really.  The picture above is from a different performance, we went to one at Beth Am.  A number of members of the audience are 'detained' and play the parts of the immigrants in court.  A few cast members represented ICE and they looked pretty scary.  In real life too.  The picture portrays a different performance with other cast members.  There is a child immigrant cast member.  A different child played the part in the performance we attended. 

Afterwards, they had a discussion and they asked people to name a word  that they associated with the play.  The word I would have used was futility.  Once you are in Immigration Court, you are pretty stuck.  You are not going to get an justice.  Your personal circumstances do not apply.  You are likely going to be deported either by paying yourself and buying your own ticket or going on an ICE flight.  Shackled.  To a country where you maybe left 40 years ago and have no friends or family.  Kind of reminds me of the Nazi final solution.  Once you were in their grip, there usually was no escape.

We've seen Immigration Court and worked with a non-profit associated with the Detention Center.  We know what happens there.  We know those stories are true.

Truly a unique memorable performance.  Go to see it if you have a chance.  Hats off to the immigration attorneys who have staged this!