June 13, 2025

Community Protests Erupt Over Detainment of Recent Graduate

News Summary

An 18-year-old recent graduate from Bowling Green was arrested by ICE, despite having legal residency. His detainment has led to widespread community protests and raised questions about due process. Advocacy groups are rallying for his release, emphasizing concerns over warrantless arrests of individuals with valid immigration status. A GoFundMe campaign has gained significant support to assist with legal fees and bond amounts as the situation develops.

Bowling Green – An 18-year-old recent graduate from Bowling Green Independent Schools, Ernesto Manuel-Andres, was arrested and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 4, 2025, despite having legal status in the United States. His detainment has sparked community protests and raised concerns regarding due process and the treatment of individuals with legal immigration status.

Ernesto, who holds Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status and Deferred Action protection from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was taken into custody without a warrant or deportation order. The circumstances of his arrest began when ICE agents apprehended his father in a parking lot, subsequently compelling him to lead them to their family apartment where Ernesto was ultimately detained.

Even though Ernesto presented valid legal documents at the time of his arrest, ICE proceeded with his detainment. Over five days, he was transferred between three different detention facilities, creating significant barriers to his legal representation. Records indicate his movement through Grayson and Laurel detention centers before being moved to a facility in Monroe, Louisiana.

Ernesto does not have any criminal history, pending charges, or deportation orders, according to information shared by advocacy groups. Legal assistance was secured for him through the nonprofit Fugees Family, which has been helping him navigate the complexities of pursuing citizenship and maintaining legal documentation.

Following his arrest, attorneys advocating for Ernesto were finally able to establish contact with him on the first Monday after his detention. Despite the lack of charges filed against him by ICE and the absence of a formal Notice To Appear, a bond hearing is scheduled for June 18 in Indianapolis, where the bond amount is expected to be between $15,000 and $20,000.

In response to the community’s growing concern and support for Ernesto, a GoFundMe campaign has been established, successfully raising over $20,000 to assist with posting his bond and covering legal fees.

Support has also come from educators and officials within the Bowling Green Independent School District. Gary Fields, the superintendent, has expressed pride in Ernesto’s accomplishments, while teachers from Teranga Academy described him as a helpful, dedicated student who positively influenced the school environment.

Community protests have erupted in Bowling Green, with residents demanding Ernesto’s release and condemning ICE’s handling of the situation. Activists argue that his detainment represents a broader systemic issue involving warrantless arrests of individuals with legal status or visas. Reports have highlighted numerous similar cases across the United States, raising alarms about due process rights and the treatment of legally residing individuals in the immigration system.

The Bowling Green Police Department and Warren County Sheriff’s Office have confirmed they were not part of the detainment process, emphasizing the role of federal authorities in these immigration enforcement actions.

As the case progresses, it underscores the uncertainties faced by individuals who possess legal residency in the U.S., revealing an unsettling reality that such detentions are not isolated incidents but often indicative of larger operational concerns within immigration enforcement practices.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Community Protests Arrest of Bowling Green Teen by ICE
Bowling Green Residents Rally Against ICE Raids
Community Outrage as ICE Detains Local Teen in Bowling Green
Newark’s Mayor Arrested Amid Immigration Facility Visit
Intelligence Report Challenges Trump’s Deportation Justifications
Harvard University Opposes Trump Administration Policies
University of Minnesota Graduate Student Detained by ICE
Massive Protest Erupts in Somerville for Detained Tufts Ph.D. Student
Federal Judge Halts Deportation of Georgetown Researcher
Bowling Green Police Department Clarifies Role on Immigration

Additional Resources

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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