June 13, 2025

Community Protests Arrest of Bowling Green Teen by ICE

News Summary

The arrest of 18-year-old Ernesto Manuel Andres by ICE has sparked widespread protests in Bowling Green. Advocates express concerns over the treatment of individuals with legal immigration status as Andres, who has Deferred Action, faces detention. A GoFundMe campaign to secure his bond has gained significant support, highlighting community solidarity against perceived injustices in immigration enforcement. As preparations begin for his bond hearing, local officials have pledged to assist in his case, raising broader questions about due process and immigrant rights.

Bowling Green, Kentucky — An 18-year-old Bowling Green teen, Ernesto Manuel Andres, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 4, 2025, igniting protests within the community and raising questions about the treatment of individuals with legal immigration status. Andres, a recent graduate of Bowling Green Independent Schools and a former student at Teranga Academy, holds Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status and Deferred Action from the Department of Homeland Security, which protects him from deportation until 2029.

ICE agents initially targeted Andres’ father, detaining him outside their apartment. Following the father’s arrest, officers entered the home and arrested Andres while he was having lunch. Despite presenting his legal documentation during the arrest, Andres was detained without a warrant.

Since his arrest, Andres has been transferred among three different detention facilities in just five days, which has severely disrupted his ability to consult with legal counsel. He is currently held in a detention center in Monroe, Louisiana. A bond hearing for Andres is scheduled for June 18, with an estimated bond amount ranging between $15,000 and $20,000.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by community advocate Luma Mufleh to help cover Andres’ bond costs. The campaign quickly surpassed its initial goal of $20,000 and has now been increased to $30,000, aiming to support Andres and other individuals facing similar challenges.

On June 11, a demonstration took place, drawing around 200 community members who showed their support for Andres. The protest was organized by SOKY Indivisible, with participants expressing solidarity with the immigrant community. Local officials, including Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott, have voiced their intentions to assist in securing Andres’ return home once his legal status is affirmed. It should be noted that the Bowling Green Police Department and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office were not involved in the detainment and became aware of the situation through community reports.

Andres is described by educators and community advocates as a dedicated and positive member of society, recognized for his strong work ethic and character during his tenure at Teranga Academy. His detention has sparked significant concerns about due process rights and treatment of lawful residents within the U.S. These concerns echo amid increasing reports of similar cases nationwide, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by immigrants, particularly those with legal protections.

This incident has spotlighted the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement practices and their implications for individuals who may be targeted despite having legal status. Advocates are raising broader questions about warrantless arrests and the need for policy reform to safeguard the rights of immigrants in the United States.

As the community rallies around Andres, the outcome of the upcoming bond hearing could determine his immediate future. Supporters remain hopeful that awareness raised through protests and fundraising efforts will play a significant role in influencing the situation in favor of Andres and others facing similar predicaments.

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Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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