Audience members at First United Church of Olympia will be "arrested" by actors playing ICE agents Saturday, Oct. 3, in an immersive play simulating immigration court.

"The Detention Lottery," written by retired Seattle immigration attorney Margaret O'Donnell, puts the audience in the shoes of detained immigrants as they face a judge with minutes to argue their case. The one-night fundraiser starts at 7 p.m. at 1224 Legion Way SE, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Three practicing immigration attorneys are in the cast. Steffani Powell plays a judge, Lisa Seifert plays a Department of Homeland Security attorney and Jane O'Sullivan will deliver some of the closing words, according to OLY ARTS.

Director Amy Youngblood said the play moves audiences past headlines into the courtroom itself. "We really spend time with these detainees as they have their moments in court," she said.

The Faith Network for Immigrant Support (FNIS), a community group spanning Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties, organized the production. Proceeds will go to Mi Chiantla and Vecinos Unidos, which organizers describe as nonprofits working with immigrant families.

Mi Chiantla, based in Olympia, runs a 12-week program for immigrant children and their parents in communities including Rochester, Olympia and Lacey-Tumwater.

O'Donnell, who retired in 2019 after a career in immigration law, first conceived the piece as a board game before developing it into an improvised theater exercise. She said the improv version was chaotic and frightening, "so I decided to write it as a play."

The play premiered in 2018 and was previously staged in Olympia in 2019 at Temple Beth Hatfiloh. O'Donnell updated the script in 2025 to reflect changes in immigration law and enforcement.

Youngblood, also from Seattle, began directing community productions of the play in 2025. Olympia organizer Sherry Sullivan said the goal was to reach residents who may be sympathetic to immigrant rights but not yet actively engaged.

The cast also includes Nettie Banks, Randy Clark, Lynn Glore, Mo Lally, Meghan Lazelle, Nicole Lockett, Sam Magill, Janelle Martinez, Donna Pallo-Perez and Alecia Williams.

A question-and-answer session with immigration attorneys will follow the performance. Representatives from immigrant-rights groups will also be on hand with resources.

The suggested donation is $20 or more, payable online or at the door. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.