The Plight of Immigrants: Context and Discrimination in 'Detained in the Desert' Anonymous College

In Josefina Lopez's play, Detained in the Desert, we are introduced to Lou and Sandi, two individuals from different backgrounds who end up crossing paths in the desert. Lou Sanchez, a 50s Anglo-conservative talk show host who criticizes undocumented immigrants and encourages his listeners to "Take Back America." Sandi Belen, a 20-year-old second-generation Latina who is dark skin and looks Native American, but does not speak Spanish. Though Sandi and Lou's journeys are different, they can learn and understand the plight of immigrants as they cross the border.

Lopez's play was published in 2010, during Barack Obama's presidency. During Obama's presidency, the government wasn't as conservative. It did not hold a strong prejudice towards immigration, and in return, were fighting to provide certain undocumented immigrants with more liberties. While the government had slightly pro-immigrant views, the same could not be said for certain states, such as Arizona. Lopez's play was a response to the passing of the 2010 SB1070 legislation, Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhood Act, in Arizona. This legislative act made it a state crime to be in the United States illegally. Alongside this, it also empowered police officers,...