New Children's Book Challenges Anti-ICE Narratives

A new children's book titled "Diego the Dingo Finds His Way Home" seeks to counteract anti-ICE narratives by presenting a story that portrays immigration enforcement in a positive light. The authors, Mike Howell and Ryan Neuhaus, aim to address what they describe as a troubling trend of indoctrination in children's literature that demonizes federal agents who enforce immigration laws. They believe that this negative portrayal can have lasting effects on young readers' perceptions of immigration enforcement.

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The book follows a family of dingos who are smuggled into the United States and ultimately face deportation. Throughout the narrative, the authors emphasize the importance of family and respect for the rule of law. Howell and Neuhaus argue that many existing children's books depict Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in a negative light, which they believe can instill fear and misunderstanding in children. This perspective, they argue, is not only misleading but also harmful.

Howell stated, "I think it’s meant to scare children to demonize ICE, even from a young age. We really thought that kids should learn values from the books that are read to them." The authors dedicated their book to the children of ICE agents, highlighting the scrutiny and criticism these officers face in society. Howell added, "I can’t imagine what it’s like to be the child of an ICE officer," advocating for a more balanced portrayal of immigration enforcement that acknowledges the difficult realities faced by these families.

A Different Perspective on Immigration

"Diego the Dingo Finds His Way Home" presents a narrative where the main character, Diego, learns that breaking the rules has consequences, ultimately leading him back to where he belongs. The story concludes with Diego reuniting with his grandparents after being deported, which serves as a contrast to many children's books that focus solely on the struggles of unauthorized immigrants without addressing the legal implications of their actions. This narrative choice is intentional, as the authors want to provide a comprehensive view of the immigration experience.

Neuhaus emphasized the need for stories that teach compassion while also respecting the law. He stated, "Children need more stories that teach them not only compassion, but also the importance of family and respect for the rule of law." This dual focus aims to foster a sense of understanding and empathy in young readers while also reinforcing the significance of legal frameworks surrounding immigration.

The authors express concern about the impact of anti-ICE rhetoric, which they argue has led to violence against immigration enforcement officers. They referenced instances where politicians, such as Rep. Dan Goldman and Rep. John Larson, have made inflammatory comparisons of ICE to the Gestapo, contributing to a hostile environment for these agents. Critics of ICE have not responded directly to the authors' claims regarding the portrayal of immigration enforcement in children's literature, leaving the conversation largely one-sided in the public sphere.

Plans for Distribution

Howell and Neuhaus plan to distribute their book to ICE family detention centers following its initial release on Amazon. They hope to read the book to children in similar situations as the fictional dingo family, aiming to provide a different perspective on immigration and enforcement. Additionally, they intend to promote the book in schools and libraries, advocating for a more nuanced discussion about immigration issues that often polarize communities.

The authors believe that literature can play a significant role in shaping children's understanding of complex topics like immigration. Howell remarked, "There’s a bunch of really angry and bad people who want to convince children that their parents are evil. They should feel pride in what their parents do, just like the son of a police officer or firefighter." This sentiment reflects a desire to instill a sense of pride and respect for those who work in law enforcement, including ICE agents.

As the debate over immigration policy continues, the authors of "Diego the Dingo Finds His Way Home" hope to encourage a more balanced conversation that respects both the rule of law and the human experiences behind immigration stories. Their initiative reflects a growing interest in addressing the narratives surrounding immigration enforcement in educational materials for children, aiming to foster understanding and respect for diverse perspectives on this critical issue.